Over 1,000 urban poor avail of free food, medical services

FREE FOR A DAY. Senior citizens had their hair cut at the Plaza Independencia, one of many free services offered during the Halad Pasalamat. (CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)

WHILE supporters of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte whooped it up in a concert held at the South Road Properties (SRP), over a thousand urban poor residents availed of free services offered by Duterte supporters at the Plaza Independencia, Cebu City yesterday.

Federica Facto, a 68-year-old resident of Barangay Tinago, was accompanied by her daughter as she had a free haircut from a member of the Filipino Hairdressers Association Cebu Chapter.

“”Nianhi ko kay libre man. Taud-taod na pud ko wala makapatupi (I came here since it was for free. It has been a while since I had my hair cut),” she said.

The free services were part of the Halad Pasasalamat (Thanksgiving Offering) organized by Duterte supporters in Cebu.

Lilia Medio, a 61-year-old candle vendor at the Basilica Del Sto. Niño, decided to have a day off to avail of a free medical check-up.

She said she was disappointed there were no free medicines, though it had been previously announced that there were only free medical checkups.

“Ok ra man sab. Daghan man sab ko nakuha like free seeds ug lugaw (It’s okay. I did get free seeds and congee),” Medio said.

The Cebu City Veterinary Office administered anti-rabies vaccines for free; and handed out free packs of dog food, vitamins and deworming tablets for pets.

City Veterinarian Dr. Alice Utlang said eight dogs were vaccinated as of noon yesterday.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) distributed free seedling packs to 300 people.

DA-7 Director Angel Enriquez said they want to promote urban gardening to city residents.

DA personnel also offered free congee with veggies and chicken strips to attendees. Other line government agencies also offered their services.