June 11, 2024| Bongao, Tawi-Tawi—

Vini, Vidi, Vici. We saw, we came, we conquered, to SERVE.

Thousands of Tawi-Tawi residents received free quality medical care from the recent Medical, Dental and Ophthalmic Surgical mission brought by the BARMM Government in the province dubbed “Layag Bangsamoro 2024”.

Services provided included Major Ophthalmic procedures such as Cataract and glaucoma, minor surgeries (Tuli and bukol), dental and optometry services, immunizations, pre-natal consultations, family planning services, and general medical consultations.

2,146 individuals from the Municipality of Mapun and at least 1,900 residents from Turtle Island, all in Tawitawi Province availed of the various health services.

“The convergence activity organized by MP Suharto Ambolodto and MP Eddie Alih seeks to address many health issues that remained untreated due to isolation and lack of service providers. With these initiatives, health care is within arm’s reach,” Minister Sinolinding said, emphasizing the importance of bringing quality healthcare services across the region, especially in isolated and difficult areas.

Mayor Hadji Faisal Jamalul of Turtle Islands, Tawi-Tawi, expressed deep gratitude for the outreach project. He thanked the various BARMM agencies for their commitment to reach out and serve.

Apart from the medical services provided, the convergence activity of at least 4 ministries, namely the MIPA,MSSD,MILG and the MOH, distributed cash and food assistance, livelihood packages, and hygiene kits. Educational materials about the rights of Indigenous Peoples, health information and other related advocacy for the local residents were also distributed.

The three-day medical mission, led by MP and Health Minister Kadil Jojo M. Sinolinding Jr., received full support from the Office if the Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, in collaboration with the Bangsamoro Parliament, Ministry of Health (MOH) and the IPHO of Tawi-Tawi. MSSD, MILG, NFWM, AFP and PNP Medical Teams, MIPA, MBLT12, and WMMC also equally participated in the said convergence.

Indeed, in a united front, we can reach out farther and serve better.