THE Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region together with the Local Government Unit of Cervantes successfully delivered essential medical services to Indigenous Peoples (IPs) during the recent Indigenous Peoples’ Health Summit 2025 held in Cervantes, Ilocos Sur on August 20.
This initiative highlights the DOH’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to healthcare for Indigenous Cultural Communities, especially those residing in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs), barangay officials, and community leaders participated and availed of the health services, benefiting from health education sessions tailored to their cultural context, as well as preventive care and treatment interventions.
Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco said that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right of every Filipino, including our Indigenous Peoples. “By conducting outreach activities, we are bringing health services closer to IP communities, addressing their unique health needs and empowering them towards better health outcomes,” she stated.
“We have closely collaborated with local health workers and Indigenous leaders to ensure culturally sensitive and community-appropriate care will be provided.”
The activity is part of the DOH’s ongoing commitment of both DOH-Ilocos Region and Cervantes LGU to promote health and wellness among indigenous communities.
Among the comprehensive range of services provided were medical consultations on maternal and child healthcare, immunizations, screening and management of non-communicable diseases, nutrition counseling, tuberculosis and HIV testing.
In addition, oral health kits and eyeglasses were also distributed to attendees.
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