Residents of three island barangays in Surigao City received free medical and agricultural assistance during the city’s annual People’s Day outreach on Tuesday.

The activity, held in the barangays of San Jose, Cagutsan, and Sugbay, benefited 1,593 residents through various health services and support for local farmers.

Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao II, who led the initiative alongside other city officials, highlighted the importance of bringing essential services to remote communities.

“People’s Day reflects our commitment to ensuring that even those in far-flung areas have access to quality healthcare and livelihood support,” Dumlao said in a statement Wednesday.

During the event, 291 residents availed of free laboratory tests, while others received medical checkups, medicines and vitamins. Another 157 individuals benefited from free eye examinations and eyeglasses.

To boost agricultural productivity, the City Agriculture Office also distributed free seedlings to 62 farmers.

Barangay officials from the three island villages expressed gratitude for the city’s support, describing the assistance as a vital contribution to their community’s well-being and development.

“This initiative helps address our most urgent needs in health and agriculture and is a big boost for our residents,” the joint statement said. (PNA)