More than 200 indigenous people (IP) from four barangays of Rizal town benefited from the free medical services thru Indigenous People’s (IP) Health Caravan, the provincial government said.
The IPs are residents of the villages of Bunog, Iraan, Campung –Ulay and Punta Baja in Rizal town.
Pamela L. Garcia, Nurse IV of the Provincial Health Office (PHO), said that the activity was made possible through the project’s funder, Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH).
KOFIH aims to contribute to promoting international cooperation and realizing humanitarianism by carrying out healthcare support projects for developing countries.
“Actually, nag-materialize itong activity natin because of KOFIH na siyang partner natin sa implementation ng programs natin dito sa Palawan. Ang ginawa natin ay nag propose tayo ng project sa kanila through the initiatives ng KOFIH Global Alumni. So kasama tayo doon sa binigyan nila ng training program last time and we are very thankful na na- approved ‘yong proposal natin. kaya mayroon tayong health caravan ngayon dito.” Garcia said in a statement issued by the Provincial Government.
The Capitol further said that KOFIH Global Alumni (KGA) – Palawan Group has been instrumental in bringing the IP Health Caravan in Rizal town.
They said that out of the 30 countries assisted by the organization, the province of Palawan is one of its beneficiaries.
During the caravan, the KOFIH conducted a lecture on nutrition and child care, family health and pregnancy, adolescent health, dental health, etc.
They likewise extended medical consultation and check up on malaria, tuberculosis and other illnesses, tooth extraction. They also distributed hygiene kits, food packs, medicines and vitamins for the IP communities.
Rutchel Laborera, Head Nurse of Rizal-Rural Health Unit (RHU), said that 50 percent of the inhabitants in their towns are IPs who live in far-flung villages. She said that these areas are not regularly accessed by health services extended by the RHU.
With the KOFIH as the lead organization, the caravan was also made possible with the help of the provincial government of Palawan, municipal government of Rizal, Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. and Kilusan Ligtas Malaria (KLM).