HUNDREDS of indigent residents of Dapitan City benefited from the outreach program re-launched during the birthday of City Mayor Dominador G. Jalosjos on Tuesday.

More than 1,000 people trooped to the Cultural Center near City Hall to avail of the Paspas (Paghatud Serbisyo Para Asenso) Dapitan outreach program, which was launched in the past but halted due to the election period.

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The program offered medical-dental programs from the City Health Office (CHO) under Dr. Rolito Cataluña, who led the whole-day free medical consultation.

City Administrator Rodalicia Adreincem, who supervised in the overall operation, said the medicines were provided by the congressional office of Representative Cecilia Jalosjos-Carreon of the first district and the City Mayor's Office. The medicines included antibiotics for patients who are mostly children.

Adreincem said the next outreach programs will touch base in the barangays to get closer to the beneficiaries, particularly in the far-flung villages of the city.

The dental services were provided by two doctors from the Jose Rizal Memorial District Hospital and the Department of Education (DepEd).

Dr. Cataluña said circumcision and minor surgery were also offered by the program, including medical treatment for patients with high-blood pressure, diabetes, and those that need anesthesia, courtesy of Congresswoman Carreon, the mayor's sister.

Other line agencies also joined the CHO, including the City Agriculturist's Office, which provided free seedling; the City Veterinarian's Office for vaccination of dogs, de-worming of large cattle, small ruminants and poultry, as well as gave anti-biotic and registration for its regular barangay visits; the Civil Registrar Office for processing and documentation of personal records; the City Assessor's Office for real estates and other information on land taxes; City Social Welfare and Development for social services; and the Information Division, which provided rice to indigent residents of Dapitan.

Cornelio Jumawan Jr., city veterinarian, said the incidents of rabies in the city should be considered as serious matter due to the rising number of fatalities.

At least 10 persons died of rabies this year, he said.

"In fact, we are bringing our services to the barangays, and this outreach program has been made as a venue for the village folk to register and schedule their villages for our next visit," Jumawan said.

The City Agriculturist's Office under Mr. Cyril Patangan and the City Environment and Natural Resources under Engr. Dado Cagbabanua, for their part, provided mahogany, gemelina, and other trees' seedlings made available upon registration at the cultural center.

Residents from 10 urban barangays also benefited from the rice allocation given free by the City Information Office under Elvie Abila, also city tourism officer, who led in the distribution of rice Tuesday afternoon.

Mayor Jalosjos, who turned 67 yesterday, also tendered a lunch for relatives, friends, and employees at the Dapitan City Resort Hotel. Aside from well-wishers, he was greeted by his elder brother, former congressman Romeo Jalosjos, and 3rd District Representative Cesar Jalosjos, who joined his family for lunch at the hotel.