5th ‘Serbisyo Karaban’ Benefits Thousands in Balamban and Neighboring Towns

To ensure that all Cebuanos are given easy access to the Capitol’s health and other social services, including those from far-flung areas, the Cebu Provincial Government held the 5th Serbisyo Karaban in Balamban town last March 19.

Led by Gov. Hilario P. Davide III and Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, the Serbisyo Karaban kicked-off early morning on Monday with several services offered in line with the Capitol’s health and countryside development programs.

“Walay mouli unya nga walay dala’ng balon,” said Davide to those who attended the caravan held within the compound of the Cebu Provincial Hospital-Balamban.

Davide and Magpale, together with the Provincial Board members and Capitol department heads distributed P5.257 million-worth of items and services to over a thousand residents of Balamban town and neighboring towns .

According to Magpale, this caravan is their fifth since first conducted in 2016 and is the Provincial Government’s way of fulfilling the ‘Kalambuan sa Matag Sugbuanon’ goal.

The major highlight of the event was the medical-surgical caravan.

Based on data from the office of the vice governor, 951 walk-in patients were given medical attention and free medicines; while 217 were listed in the out-patient department of the hospital for surgical intervention.

The services offered included full medical and dental services, such as consultations, eye check-ups, and laboratory testing with free medicines distributed to those in need. A blood donating station for those who wish to donate blood was also made available.

Davide, who donated blood himself, expressed how happy he was to see the huge crowd who wished to avail of the free services. He emphasized on the Capitol’s efforts to expedite the completion and upgrading of the new CPH-Balamban building.

“Ato gyud ning gipaningkamutan na ma fully-operationalize na ang building para ninyo tanan,” he said, as he addressed the crowd.

Martin Lingaolingao, a 75-year-old resident from Pinamungajan expressed his interest to avail of the surgical services for the treatment of his cataract.

“Giingnan ko sa akong kaila na naa libre na operasyon, nagpalista ko dayun,” he said.

Apart from the medical check-ups, 13 minor and four major surgeries were conducted that day, three of which were thyroidectomies and one excision of a tumor from a 6-year-old boy, Mark Joseph Ninal.

“Nagpasalamat gyud mi na naabot ang karaban dinhi,” said by Ninal’s mother narrating her relief that the services were free, including the processing for the PhilHealth Program.

Further, Davide and Magpale turned over, through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development office (PSWDO), P280,000 worth of electric driers with vertical sealer for coco sugar production to the Farmer Growers Association of Barangay Landahan, Toledo City.

Ten wheelchairs were also given to five adults and five children with special needs, plus an additional five crutches and five walkers.

Around 560 eyeglasses were distributed to senior citizens. The glasses were divided to all of Balamban’s 28 barangays with each area getting 20 pairs.

Davide and Magpale also gave a P50,000 check to centenarian Marcelo Elladora from Canlumampao Toledo City.

The Provincial Veterinary Office gave out free veterinary logistics to the Balamban LGU, while animals brought in by their owners received vitamins, deworming capsules, vaccine and anti-rabies shots.

The Provincial Board also conducted its first out of town session this year in Balamban. Vice Gov. Magpale said their out-of-town sessions, which they conduct at least four times a year, aims to bring the PB closer to the Cebuanos.

http://www.cebu.gov.ph