Iloilo City Plans Health Centers, Community Markets in Relocation Sites

The Iloilo City Government is looking to bring basic health and essential services closer to families living in the city’s relocation sites as part of its broader approach to housing and community development.

Mayor Raisa S. Treñas said the city is currently identifying areas where barangay health centers or other health facilities could be established within housing sites.

“Ginapangitaan naman sang Siyudad sang mga lugar para sa Health Centers sa mga housing sites,” Treñas said during the Iloilo City Government’s Your City At Work radio program.

“Safety nila... naga-identify kita subong sang mga areas kun diin kita kabutang sang mga Brgy. Health Centers or Health Centers kay prioridad man ang health sang aton nga mga pumuluyo didto,” she added.

The proposed health centers are intended to make basic healthcare more accessible to residents, particularly those who may otherwise need to travel to other barangays to seek services.

Aside from healthcare, the city is also considering bringing other essential services closer to relocation communities, including talipapas or community markets.

Treñas said having community markets within or near the housing sites would allow families to purchase everyday necessities without having to travel far. This could also help reduce transportation expenses, which can add to the daily costs of families living in relocation areas.

The initiatives form part of the city’s Pasilong or Pabalay sa Pamilyang Ilonggo Program, which takes a broader approach to housing beyond simply providing families with homes.

Under the program, the city aims to complement decent and secure housing with livelihood opportunities and other support services that can help families become more self-reliant.

The administration sees the development of these communities as a long-term effort to improve residents’ quality of life and build more sustainable relocation sites—where access to healthcare, basic goods, livelihood opportunities and other essential services are available closer to home.

The planned health centers and community markets are therefore being considered not only as additional facilities, but as part of the city’s goal of creating more complete and livable communities for families relocated through its housing programs. (PR)