ILOILO — The Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas brought essential medical and social services directly to indigenous communities in Janiuay town, serving 316 residents from remote barangays during a health caravan aimed at expanding access to government healthcare programs.
The Serbisyo Caravan, held on March 6 in Barangay Quipot, targeted members of Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs), providing free consultations, medicines, laboratory tests, and nutrition support to residents who often face difficulty accessing healthcare services.
Residents from the barangays of Barasalon, Canauillan, Quipot, Yabon, and Ubian availed themselves of a wide range of government services during the outreach activity.
Among the key services offered were free medicines, risk assessments under the Philippine Package of Essential Non-Communicable Disease Interventions (PhilPEN), and diagnostic services through the Knowtell Van, which conducted tests for Random Blood Sugar (RBS), dengue, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and syphilis.
The caravan also provided Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) medication and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as part of the government’s continuing efforts to strengthen disease prevention and early detection in underserved communities.
The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) supported the initiative by distributing free medicines and nutritional assistance, including iodized salt and instant complementary food supplied through the National Nutrition Council (NNC). Residents also received medical consultations and nutrition health education during the activity.
Other government agencies and health organizations participated in the caravan to broaden the range of services offered to the community.
The Philippine Tuberculosis Society, Inc. (PTSI) conducted tuberculosis screenings and medical consultations, while the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) assisted residents with civil registry concerns.
Meanwhile, PhilHealth facilitated access to the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) to help residents update their health records and registration with the national health insurance system.
Local health facilities also played a crucial role in the outreach program. The Janiuay Primary Care Facility conducted cancer screenings, while midwives and Barangay Health Workers assisted in community registration and vital signs monitoring to ensure efficient delivery of services.
The activity was supported by local officials and the Barangay Council, which helped provide logistical arrangements and the venue for the caravan.
The outreach initiative was launched under the leadership of DOH Region 6 officer-in-charge regional director Dr. Ma. Sophia Pulmones and facilitated by the Local Health System Coordination Section (LHSCS).
The event was attended by Janiuay’s Mayor Paulino Parian, Senior Health Program Officer John Michael Añez, and members of the DOH Human Resources for Health and Doctors to the Barrios team led by Dr. Ma. Fe Convocar.
“This caravan reflects our united mission to enhance the accessibility of essential services for every Filipino,” said Pulmones. “It represents a vital step towards a more inclusive public service framework, ensuring that health and social support reach every corner of our communities.”/PN
