ILOILO — Health leaders and Indigenous Peoples’ (IP) representatives have called for culturally sensitive healthcare policies and services to address the distinct health challenges confronting indigenous communities across Western Visayas.
The call was embodied in resolutions crafted during the three-day 4th Western Visayas Indigenous Peoples’ Health Summit held at Punta Villa in Arevalo, Iloilo City beginning Aug. 5.
The resolutions stressed that healthcare programs must respect Indigenous traditions, uphold human dignity and strengthen partnerships between communities, government agencies, health professionals and development organizations.
The Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas urged stakeholders to sustain efforts to build healthier Indigenous communities, emphasizing that every culture matters, every voice deserves to be heard and every life counts.
Carrying the theme, “Hiliugyon: Celebrating Years of Unity, Partnership, and Commitment to Indigenous Peoples’ Health,” the summit gathered members of indigenous cultural communities, IPs, health workers, government representatives and development partners.
Participants discussed ways to improve healthcare delivery by incorporating Indigenous cultural perspectives and addressing social conditions that affect community health.
The summit also highlighted community-based health initiatives that demonstrated how strategies developed within Indigenous settings could respond effectively to local health concerns.
Workshops and panel discussions tackled maternal and child health, mental health and the effects of climate change on Indigenous communities.
Speakers also underscored the need for policies that recognize Indigenous rights, traditions and knowledge systems instead of applying one-size-fits-all healthcare interventions.
Traditional games and cultural presentations were held alongside the health discussions to celebrate Indigenous identity and promote unity and pride among participating communities.
Representatives of the DOH and non-governmental organizations joined the summit, reinforcing the need for sustained cooperation between government institutions and Indigenous communities in carrying out effective health programs.
The gathering preceded the annual observance of National Indigenous Peoples Day on Aug. 9 under Republic Act 10689.
The date also coincided with the United Nations’ International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, which honors Indigenous cultures, promotes their rights and recognizes their contributions to society./PN
