Councilor: Provide affordable dentistry for masses

ANGELES CITY -- City Councilor Alfie Bonifacio said he wants to make dentistry affordable to the masses.

Bonifacio, who is a dentist by profession, said his group has already extended free tooth extraction and oral care services to more than 100,000 persons since he assumed office as councilor three years ago.

The official said he is charging minimal fee to his regular patients and part of it goes to the Bonifacio Dental Foundation Incorporated, which provides free dental services to the people.

The foundation is also providing free medicines to patients, according to Bonifacio.

“Mayroon din kaming libreng linis (free tooth cleaning) at namimigay din ng dentures o pustiso kung kinakailangan,” he said.

Bonifacio said this is part of his health program implemented for the people of Angeles City, adding he has created a medical team that conducts medical missions all over the city.

Bonfacio said he sends out a mobile clinic daily to look into the health needs of his constituents.

Aside from these, Bonifacio also cited priority programs, including the improvement of the firefighting capability of the city fire department.

The councilor said his group would provide smaller fire trucks so that firemen can pass through narrow roads leading to the fire scene.

“Na-experience na po natin in the past na maraming Kababayan natin ang namatay dahil hindi makapasok ang mga bumbero dahil masisikip an gating mga daa. Kung mayroon tayong maliliit na fire trucks pwede na nating pasukin ang mga maliliit na kalsada at kaagad na maapula ang sunog,” Bonifacio said.

He also said he would push for legislation that would support the projects of the city mayor.

Bonifacio said he is planning to make a complaint box at the city council where people, who are seeking help, may drop their letters addressed to the concerned officials.

“Magkakaroon din tayo ng parang officer of the day para mag entertain sa mga taong nagpupunta sa city council. Ang OD na iyon ay manggagaling din sa mga sampung councilors,” he said.

The official also stressed the need to create cooperatives in different barangays in order to help the women establish livelihood projects.

Bonifacio, who is running for vice-mayor under the Nacionalista Pary, vowed to provide seed capital for each cooperative. (Reynaldo G. Navales)