Last Updated on February 4, 2020

The local government of Talisay provided free services to about 1,000 Barangay Lawaan 3 residents through the “Aksyon Agad sa Barangay” program, Sunstar reported. From medical consultations to business permit renewal assistance down to relaxing massages, the public officials offered a variety of assistance efforts to the locals.

Mayor Gerald Anthony Gullas, Jr. led the formal launch of the initiative, joined by Vice Mayor Alan Bucao and members of the City Council.

A total of 922 residents participated in the program. In terms of healthcare, they were able to consult doctors, get eye check-ups, and receive medicines for cough, fever, and colds, as well as vitamins, all for free. There were also ligation services for pet dogs and cats.

In terms of industry assistance, entrepreneurs were able to go to business licensing renewal booths and help desks the city government set up. Residents who had employment and housing concerns were also accommodated in advisory stalls.

On top of this, locals enjoyed some pampering sessions, as free haircut, manicure, pedicure, and body massage services were provided.

Peace and Order Programs

Aside from “Aksyon Agad sa Barangay,” the government also formally introduced “Oplan Kalinaw,” a multi-agency approach in solving drug problems in the locale. The Talisay City Police Station (TCPS) led its opening.

As cited in a Cebu Daily News report, the program aims to join different stakeholders, from the government to police to barangays and communities, in tackling the underlying causes of drug problems, whether it be poverty, lack of education, or helplessness. The barangay chief will play a huge role in coming up with the intelligence network for tracking down drug trade systems.

Aiming to educate one of the most vulnerable segments of society, law enforcement officials organized a symposium and interactive forum for the youth. Under the anti-drug program called “Oplan Sindak” (Studyanteng Isog Kontra Droga Lamdag ang Kaugmaon), the police taught 157 high school students of Barangay Lawaan about the negative effects of illegal drugs.

On top of this, TCPS introduced Project PACT (Police and Partners Act of Kindness for the Children in Talisay), feeding and distributing bundles of joy to 260 kids in the barangay.

The city’s public service program runs until February 7, Friday. The next segments will be on Barangay Biasong (Feb 12) and Manipis (Feb 17). Aksyon Agad sa Barangay lasts for at least a week or depending on the size of the community to accommodate the residents.

Road Clearing and Development Initiatives

Barangay Lawaan 3 has participated as well in the recent road clearing operations, along with other communities, as reported by Sunstar. Complying with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)’s mandate, the barangay, joined by Tangke, Pooc, Tabunok, and Poblacion, reclaimed public roads to alleviate worsening traffic.

The activity followed after DILG Talisay City officer Liza Fernandez talked to the city’s 22 village chiefs. Other than clearing roads of obstructions, the barangay officials were tasked to remove trisikads and tricycles from major thoroughfares.

The City of Talisay-Traffic Operations and Development Authority (CT-TODA), for their part, offers assistance to barangays during scheduled clearing operations. They also have deputized agents, composed of barangay officials and personnel, who implement road discipline, issuing citation tickets to violators.

The barangay captains will forward their initial report to the DILG on Feb. 10.

Meanwhile, Talisay residents can also expect easier travels to Cebu City, as a new access road will be built along the boundary of the two municipalities. The thoroughfare will stretch from Barangay Pamutan to Barangay Campo Cuatro, according to The Freeman. Authorities expect that it will help decongest traffic in central highways and allow motorists to reach the city center faster.

Cebu City Councilor Jerry Guardo said that the new road would have four lanes, accommodating more motorists. The local government is in talks with the owners of the lots to secure the right of way. They also arranged a series of consultations with barangay officials and communities.

As for the funding, the city hopes to get assistance from the national government. They’re also considering the procurement of additional equipment. They’re eyeing to begin road opening next year.

Guardo said that they will endorse the infrastructure development plan to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) so the agency could conduct a feasibility study.

Sources: Sunstar, Cebu Daily News, The Freeman

Main photo via the City of Talisay Public Information Office

This article was first published at Lamudi.com.ph