The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) SOSCCSKSARGEN Region in coordination with the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) XII conducted the Regional Inter-Agency Committee (RIAC) on IP Health XII first quarter meeting last March 15-16, 2022 at Paraiso Verde Resort, Koronadal City. The meeting was attended by member agencies from DOH XII, NCIP XII, DSWD XII, NNC XII, PHIC XII, PopCom XII and DPWH XII.

The meeting provides an avenue to discuss and orient the old and new members of the committee regarding Universal Health Care (UHC) – RA 11223, Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2013-01, IP Strategic Plan for Health 2018-2022 Midterm Assessment, 2021 IP community visits/activities provided, Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA)/IP status implementation Report of DOH, the status of Provincial Interagency Committee (PIAC)/Indigenous Person Mandatory Representative (IPMR) in the Local Health Board (LHB), and the status of Ancestral Domain Investment Plans for Health (ADIPH) in Local Investment Plan for Health (LIPH)/ Annual Operational Plan (AOP).

NOI Laurito presented the mandates of the agency, its services and programs. She also presented the 2021 Regional Nutrition Situation and proposed to consider the Top 10 LGUs in the Region with the highest prevalence rates per nutrition status in the next IP community visits of the committee.

Furthermore, the team agreed that the next IP community visit will be in Brgy. Tablu, Tampakan, South Cotabato on May 2022. Member agencies also planned out activities during the visit and identify various assistance that can be provided to the IP community. NNC XII as an active member of the RIAC for IP Health committed to support future activities and will provide advocacy materials on health and nutrition. (NOILaurito/NOIIIFlores/RNPCLaquihon)