The Regional Inter-Agency Committee (RIAC) for Indigenous People (IP) Health was convened for the third quarter meeting held on August 26 at Park-Lay Suites, Kidapawan City, Cotabato Province.

The Department of Health – Center for Health Development SOCCSKSARGEN Region presided over the said meeting. Members present includes the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) XII, National Nutrition Council (NNC) XII, Commission on Population (PopCom) XII, PhilHealth XII, Philippine Statistics Office (PSA) Cotabato Province, and Municipal Local Government Office of LGU Arakan.

The team discussed the positive actions taken during the recent IP health convergence outreach visit at Sitio Bagtok, Brgy. Tomanding, Arakan, Cotabato Province. Additionally, suggestions for improvement were made in order to have better IP health visits in the following quarter.

The meeting also served as an avenue to discuss the schedule of the next RIAC for IP health activities. The body agreed to conduct the IP visit for the fourth quarter in Sitio Lamdel, Brgy. Ned, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato Province in the first week of November.

Meanwhile, the agencies in attendance have listed down the possible services, assistance, and programs that can be given to the IP community during the upcoming activity.

NNC XII as an active member of the said committee, pledged for continuous participation in the RIAC for IP health activities. (DMOIILaurito/NOIIIFlores/RNPCLaquihon)