Bagong Pilipinas for IPs Caravan Provides Health Services to La Union Residents

SAN FERNANDO CITY, – Over 1,200 members of indigenous peoples (IP) communities and residents in San Fernando, La Union, received free medical, dental, and laboratory services during the Bagong Pilipinas para sa mga Katutubo caravan on Thursday.

According to a new release by the Philippines News Agency, the services offered during the event included consultations in internal medicine, family medicine, obstetrics-gynecology, pediatrics, and surgery. Additionally, attendees had access to laboratory tests, nutrition services, mental health services, diabetic retinopathy screening, cervical cancer screening, immunization services, hearing tests, and the distribution of eyeglasses, food packs, and kits for pregnant women.

Dr. Paula Paz Sydiongco, the director of the Department of Health – Center for Health Development Ilocos Region, emphasized the importance of local government units (LGUs) in ensuring that healthcare services reach every corner of the community. She expressed gratitude to the LGUs for their cooperation in making the health services accessible.

One beneficiary, Maria Liza Gabina, expressed her appreciation for the caravan, particularly for the laboratory services and eye screening. She mentioned that the medications provided for her hypertension and diabetes were sufficient for three months, representing significant savings for her.

La Union Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David also expressed gratitude to the national government for organizing the caravan. She recognized the indigenous people as treasures of the province, reflecting its rich culture, traditions, and heritage. Governor Ortega-David emphasized the importance of upholding the rights of indigenous peoples, as mandated by the Indigenous Peoples’ Right Act of 1997 (IPRA).