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| Governor Imee R. Marcos Marcos distributes prescription medicines which patients availed of at the Capitol Express in Batac City, Ilocos Norte on September 11. |
By Jennifer T. Pambid
PGIN-CMO
Batac City—As the whole Ilocandia celebrated Marcos Day on September 11, 2016, the Ilocos Norte government also restarted its Capitol Express at the public market here.
Capitol Express, which brings frontline services to the grassroots, was last held a month ago. The temporary halt was to give way for the preparation for some provincial government projects.
Hundreds of residents here were delighted with the program’s return; the program, they said, brings the Capitol to them hence they no longer need to travel to the capital city.
Edwin Cariño of the PGIN’s Sustainable Projects and Development Office, said the Capitol Express Team offered the usual free medical consultation and dental services.
Dr. Eva Candelario said 22 residents availed of the free dental services. She added that patients are now more comfortable with the new mobile dental bus provided by the Department of Health.
Aside from this, 261 pairs of slippers were distributed to high school students. More than 100 senior citizens were also given free reading glasses.
Native pigs from the Provincial Veterinary Office were also awarded to beneficiaries.
A first time recipient, Lovely Jane of Brgy. Quiling Sur expressed her gratefulness because “it will be a big help to my family.”
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| Students from TESDA offer free manicure and pedicure to the clients of Capitol Express in Batac City, Ilocos Norte last September 11. (Alaric Yanos) |
Representatives from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) also offered free manicure, pedicure and haircut services.
Jenny Tama of Brgy. Nalupta, who shared that it was her first time to experience free pedicure, lauded Capitol Express because “it is very rare to have free services like this.”
The Provincial Health Office also gave 10 wheelchairs to selected senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Jose Vallenco of Brgy. Ricarte, one of the recipients of wheelchair, thanked Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” R. Marcos for extending help to him. Mr. Vallenco does not have a family and has difficulty in walking.
Ms. Marcos said they will continue improving the said program to further serve and reach more Ilocanos especially in the far-flung areas in the province.
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| Senior Citizens whose birthday fall on September and have visited the Capitol Express in Batac City, Ilocos Norte last Sunday receive a birthday cake from Governor Imee Marcos. (Alaric Yanos) |