COTABATO CITY – In celebration of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) Month, the Ministry of Health of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-BARMM) organized a medical outreach program in Special Geographic Areas (SGA) and Maguindanao on October 29-30, 2024 that benefitted indigenous peoples (IPs).

With the theme, “Valuing, Nurturing, and Honoring Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Knowledge,” the teams traveled to the remote Barangay Fugotan, Talayan, Maguindanao, and Barangay Simone, Old Kaabacan, SGA, where they provided crucial health services and essential supplies to indigenous communities who rarely receive such outreach due to difficult road conditions and geographic isolation.

The Medical Outreach Program (MOP), which included doctors and nurses, conducted health assessments, check-ups, and provided medication to residents.

Meanwhile, the Population Division distributed health kits tailored for indigenous communities, containing hygiene essentials like toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, cologne, cotton, mosquito nets, nail clippers, alcohol, tumblers, lotion, and face towels.

These items were provided in sturdy tote bags designed for long-term use, ensuring that residents could easily maintain basic hygiene in their daily lives.

The response from the Indigenous People (IP) community was overwhelmingly positive, with one community leader expressing heartfelt gratitude: “Ngayon lang namin ito naramdaman, kayo palang ang pumunta sa amin, salamat,”.

The program exemplifies the ministry’s dedication to address health disparities and fostering trust and unity with Indigenous communities, creating a positive impact that extends beyond healthcare and reinforcing the importance of reaching out to underserved populations to ensure they receive the support and resources they needs.