Several residents from the EMBO (enlisted men's barrio) barangays carried out a motorcade rally yesterday, January 30, 2024. The procession started from Barangay Pinagkaisahan in Makati City and ended in Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila.
The goal of the motorcade was to petition for their return to Makati City's jurisdiction from Taguig City.
One participant in the motorcade rally, Chris Bugna, expressed his disappointment over the benefits they lost when they were transferred to Taguig.
Bugna stated that his father's medical costs, which amount to approximately 1.3 million pesos each month, were only a 500 peso expense at the Makati City hospital due to the yellow card program.
Aiza Manzanillo, another self-identified resident of the EMBO barangays, voiced her worries for her child who undergoes dialysis three times a week.
Prior to this, the Taguig City government released a statement ensuring the residents of the EMBO barangays that they should not worry about their healthcare as they also have a medical facility - the Taguig Pateros District Hospital.
Taguig City also has its own dialysis center located at Barangay North Signal, along with 24/7 diagnostic and laboratory services, three super health centers, local health centers in each barangay, and satellite pharmacies for free medicine. They also conduct medical and dental missions through the Taguig Love Caravan.
A health and recreation center for senior citizens and persons with disability is also available at Barangay North Signal, the first of its kind in the country.
(Photos by Chrisjohn Bugna and Jardine Davis Salumbides)