More than 10,700 individuals have benefitted from the Makati City government’s Lingkod Bayan Caravan project during its visit to six villages in the first quarter of the year.
From January to March, the Caravan served a total of 10,739 Makati residents covering the villages of Palanan, San Antonio, and La Paz in District 1; and East Rembo, West Rembo, and Rizal in District 2.
Mayor Abigail Binay said more residents have been able to avail themselves of free health and social services through the Caravan program after she ordered longer service hours for each activity held on Saturdays in designated villages.
She said there was a significant increase in the turnout of clients in the first quarter of the year following the implementation of her order to extend the duration of the caravan from 11am to 4pm (five hours).
Binay noted that compared with around 30,000 clients served for the entire 2017, the turnout of the recent activities markedly improved.
“We have extended the service hours of the caravan from the previous three hours to accommodate more residents, especially for free medical services which has remained a consistent ‘bestseller’ in every caravan,” said Binay.
Binay also initiated longer hours for Ugnayan sa Barangay dialog, which is now being held from 3pm to 6pm instead of the previous 4pm to 6pm. The open forum is attended by the Mayor, Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo, Congressman Luis Campos, and various department heads and key city officials, who provide instant feedback to questions or concerns of residents.
“We have added a portion where department heads can present recent accomplishments and explain current or future projects for the benefit of Makatizens. We want to bring them up to speed on the latest developments in the city, aside from promptly addressing their concerns,” the mayor said.
From January to March, 4,803 residents underwent nutritional assessment and medical consultation services; 409 availed of X-ray examination; 361, ECG testing; 2,407, vital signs and blood pressure; 674, blood typing; 488 blood sugar testing; and 4,387, height and weight measurement.
Dental services were offered to some 773 clients, with 502 who had tooth extraction and 271 fitted for free dentures. A total of 1,368 residents also underwent free eye consultation.
Meanwhile, under the sponsorship of the Office of the Vice Mayor, a total of 1,677 city residents received free reading glasses. Eyeglasses, hearing aids, and wheelchairs are provided to residents upon request.
Some 870 individuals got free massage services while 889 got free haircut. Veterinary services are also provided to household pets, with a total of 946 dogs and 85 cats vaccinated against rabies during caravans held in the first quarter.
The one-stop shop has also served as an accessible venue for residents to apply for or renew important benefit cards. Within the period, 92 registered for the Blu Card (for senior citizens); 1,366, applied for new/renewal of Makati Health Plus or Yellow Card; 60, Senior Citizens’ White Card; 74, PWD Card; 139, Solo Parent Card; and 582 applicants for PhilHealth Card.
The caravan has also aided job applicants and individuals completing requirements. Residents can also file applications for civil registry documents, police clearance, and obtain free ID pictures from installed photo booths. Also offered during caravans are free legal and marriage counselling services, as well as assistance to OFWs.
Households can conveniently pay bills and conduct cash transfers through mobile Bayad Centers, Manila Electric Co., and Manila Water booths.
Meanwhile, children can participate in games and recreational activities, and get free toys and books provided by non-government organizations.
