By CESAR JOLITO III
The Bacolod City government launched a one-stop shop providing health, wellness and government services as part of the ongoing celebration of National Women’s Month at the lobby of the City Government Center yesterday.
Dubbed “Serbisyo Para Sa Kababaihan – Bukas Para Sa Lahat,” the initiative was organized by the city’s Gender and Development Council to bring essential services closer to women and families in a single, accessible venue.
According to Gender and Development Council Vice Chairperson Celia Flor, the activity also highlights the importance of prioritizing women’s health and well-being.
Flor emphasized that respect for women and self-care are vital, noting that women cannot effectively fulfill their responsibilities if their health is neglected.
Meanwhile, Department of Social Services and Development head Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga said the program promotes inclusivity and collective participation in achieving gender equality.
While the activity is part of Women’s Month, Verdeprado-Mangga stressed that the services are open to everyone, emphasizing that women’s empowerment and gender equality can only be achieved through the participation of the entire community.
During the event, PhilHealth Information Officer Christine Mirano also discussed programs under the Universal Health Care Act, highlighting benefits that provide financial protection and improved access to healthcare services.
The one-stop shop offered a range of services including women’s health and wellness checks such as bone screening and hemoglobin testing, blood sugar tests, mental health counseling, nutrition counseling, family planning consultation, general medical and dental check-ups through a mobile dental bus, HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, and tuberculosis screening.
Several government offices participated in the event, including the Bacolod City Health Office, Department of Social Services and Development, the Philippine Statistics Authority for National ID applications and civil registry documents, the Commission on Elections for voter registration concerns, the Public Attorney’s Office for free legal assistance, and the Bacolod City Police Office for police clearance services and women and children protection programs.
The activity was also supported by several partner organizations and private companies.
The one-stop shop forms part of Bacolod City’s broader National Women’s Month celebration, following the earlier “Lead Like the Babaylans, Filipinas” program. The month-long observance will culminate with the “ZumBabayi” event on March 27, celebrating women’s strength, unity, and empowerment in the city./CJ, WDJ