‘City Hall sa Barangay’ returns to Griño

(June 11, 2012) Brgy. Grino was the take-off point of the ‘City Hall sa Barangay’ in February 2011. It has been more than a year, but the hype is still on.

Almost 1,500 Grino residents queued for free government aids in their barangay gym on June 8, 2012. The festival of services was attended mostly by the elderly, students, mothers, and farmers.

“Pinakamalaking need ang medical at yung rehistro din. Karamihan sa Muslim brothers natin walang birth certificate pero lahat naman ng serbisyo dito ngayon, kailangan natin,” admits Brgy. Captain Romeo H. Panes.

The top 3 most availed services were: medical services, dental services, and the free haircut. The three services accommodated 680, 205, and 145 clients, respectively.

Among those who availed free medical assistance were Jhonalyn Garcia and her whole family. “Medyo matagal ko nang tinitiis ang sakit sa breast ko. Ngayon na nacheck ako at may pain reliever, napanatag ako. Malaking tulong itong ginawa dito lalo at kapos ang mga tao ngayon. Nacheck up din pati anak ko, tatay at kapatid ko,” she said.

Like Jhonalyn, students of the nearby Virginia F. Grino National High School were very thankful.  Karen Shane Liquillo, 16, and her classmates all lined up for free dental services. “Ginakulbaan ko kay first time ko magpadentista, ” says Karen. Despite her nervousness, she thanked the LGU and aired a request: tani indi na ni mag-untat.

Farmers also went home happy as 12 cattles/carabaos, 16 goats, and 9 hogs were dewormed and were given vitamins.

 The City Hall sa Barangay project addresses Tacurongnons’ needs by bringing all offices of the local government unit into the communities. These offices offer free assistance during each barangay visit. Initiated by Mayor Lina O. Montilla, the project is now on its second year of implementation. (Jezereel Louise C. Billano)