VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA)—The Department of Health (DOH) delivered primary care services to approximately 800 indigenous people (IP) in San Emilio, Ilocos Sur, through its “PuroKalusugan” program on October 11.
The program, a collaborative effort between the DOH’s Centers for Health Development (CHDs) and local government units, aims to bring healthcare directly to residents of “puroks” or barangay zones nationwide.
The medical services offered include maternal and child health, immunization, water, sanitation, and hygiene education; nutrition support; tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) control; non-communicable disease prevention and control programs; and the provision of medicines and assistive devices for seniors and persons with disabilities (PWD).
During the San Emilio outreach, the DOH also provided the local government with IP vital signs monitor kits, fortified iron rice, pregnancy and family planning kits, wheelchairs, Herbal Medicine Access Packages (HerbMAP), insecticide-treated nets, and powder.
“Our agency [DOH] aims to ensure that our indigenous brothers and sisters are knowledgeable and empowered to improve their health, working in partnership with the local government to ensure healthcare services reach every corner of their communities,” said DOH Ilocos Regional Director Dr. Paula Paz M. Sydiongco.
Sydiongco also emphasized the importance of healthy lifestyles, encouraging the public to eat right, be physically active, get enough sleep, manage stress, maintain a healthy mind and body, connect socially, and avoid drugs and alcohol.
One beneficiary, Gunilene Sabalburo, 48, a resident of Barangay Lidaoan, has lived with monocular vision since childhood after an accident left her left eye blind. The DOH provided her with a free eye checkup and reading eyeglasses.
“This program is wonderful because we cannot afford hospital checkups, so I am very grateful for the free eyeglasses,” Sabalburo expressed.
Before San Emilio, the DOH conducted “PuroKalusugan” activities in Dagupan City, Bayambang, and Malasiqui in Pangasinan, Pugo in La Union, and Magsingal, Ilocos Sur.
The program in Ilocos Sur coincided with the Regional IP Summit, attracting over 1,000 participants, including IP Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs), council of elders, culture bearers, IP youth, IP organizations, partner agencies, LGU officials, and government officials from La Union, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur.
The summit, an annual celebration of historical and cultural significance, showcased the traditions of each Indigenous Cultural Community (ICC) in the region. (MJTAB/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)
