Makati leaders have encouraged residents to continue to take part in the local government’s multiservice outreach programs, Lingkod Bayan Caravan and Ugnayan sa Barangay dialog.
Held at least twice a month in a selected barangay on prescheduled dates, the two programs resumed last Saturday in Barangay East Rembo.
Makati Mayor Abigail Binay said the programs had served nearly 30,000 residents in 27 barangays (excluding the six villages) in 2017.
She noted that social and medical services were consistent “blockbusters,” with a combined total of 71,770 clients registered.
“Our twin outreach programs have effectively brought the city government closer to the people. We are heartened by the large turnout of participants at every caravan and dialog we had held in the past year. We look forward to an even bigger participation this year,” Binay said.
She urged the residents to join the dialog, which she regularly attends along with other key city officials, in order for them to directly ask questions and express their concerns and suggestions.
“The Ugnayan sa Barangay has turned out to be a strategic source of valuable information crucial to effective program implementation, efficient service delivery and proactive policy- and decision-making at the level of the city government,” Binay added.
She underscored the importance of residents’ active involvement and support in the successful outcome of new innovations being undertaken by the city government geared toward the digital transformation of Makati.
Launched in January 2017, the weekly dialog has given residents the opportunity to meet with the mayor, vice mayor, city councilors and department heads.
Among the common concerns they raised were the lack of access to safe and convenient parking areas. In response, the mayor has directed the city Department of Engineering and Public Works to conduct a study on the establishment of multi-level parking areas across the city.
Meanwhile, the Lingkod Bayan Caravan, a joint undertaking of the city with JC Binay Foundation, has drawn a total of 37,719 residents from 27 barangays since it was launched in August 2016.
Records show social services as the most popular service given by the city government, followed by medical, children’s activities, optical services, special, civil, veterinary, dental and private utility services.
Social services include feeding activity, free massage and haircut services and assistance on applications and other concerns regarding Yellow Card, Blu Card, White Card, PWD Card, Solo Parent’s ID and Philhealth ng Masa Card.
Medical services include medical consultation, checking of vital signs/blood pressure, blood-sugar screening, height and weight measurement, nutritional assessment, x-ray, ECG and blood typing.
Under optical services, free eye consultation and new reading glasses are given to residents, while dental services include tooth extraction and free dentures.
Special services are being provided by the offices of Rep. Luis Campos of the Second District, and Rep. Monsour del Rosario, Special Assistance Office and OFW Help Desk.
Most popular among children are the Learning Camp and distribution of free toys from non-governmental partners.
Participants in the caravan can also avail themselves of civil services, which include marriage counselling, legal consultation and assistance on civil-registry documents and employment. They can also file applications for police clearance.
Residents can also bring their pet dogs and cats for free anti-rabies vaccination and check-up.
Participants in the caravan can also enjoy the convenience of paying their bills and transact with private-sector partners, including Bayad Center, Meralco, Manila Water, Petron, Globe, PLDT, Cebuana Lhuillier and ABS-CBN Mobile.