The Regional Inter-Agency Committee (RIAC) for Indigenous People (IP) Health conducted a community visit at Sitio Tokay Mal, Brgy. Tablu, Tampakan, South Cotabato last May 18, 2022. The IP visit was organized by the Department of Health – Center for Health Development SOCCSKSARGEN Region in collaboration with the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) XII and members of the Regional Inter-Agency Committee.

The said activity aims to provide free services from various agencies of the RIAC team. Among the participating agencies were DOH, NCIP, DSWD, DSWD, PhilHealth, PSA, PopCom and NNC. Offered free services ranged from COVID-19 vaccination, consultation and registration on PHIC, birth and national ID registration from PSA, nutrition and health advocacy from NNC and Popcom.

NNC XII representative, NO I Laurito, offered nutrition and health-related advocacies. She discussed the importance of the First 1000 Days of Life to pregnant and lactating mothers of Sitio Tokay Mal. She also promotes the 10 Kumainments nutrition messages as well as the use of Pinggang Pinoy brochures for pregnant and lactating women, adults and teenagers for a healthier IP community.

Moreover, NNC XII distributed 50pcs of 10 Kumainments bread tablet and 20pcs each of Pinggang Pinoy brochures for pregnant and lactating, adults and teenagers to Sitio Tokal Mal community.

The said barangay was just one of the target communities of the government’s effort in identifying gaps to better access and utilize health services, especially in Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples. NNC XII commits to continue its active participation in the RIAC for IP Heath activities. (NOILaurito/NOIIIFlores/RNPCLaquihon)