The City Government of Iriga, through the City Health Office, brought free tuberculosis (TB) screening and treatment services closer to indigenous communities through a TB Caravan held on August 12 at the Oyango Tribe in Barangay Sta. Teresita, themed “Bringing Quality TB Services to Indigenous Communities.”
Residents had access to free chest x-ray, TB preventive treatment, and a TB awareness campaign designed to help community members understand the disease, its symptoms, and the importance of early detection and treatment. The City Health Office also extended its Family Planning Program, Immunization Program, YAKAP Program, and Medical and Dental Services during the caravan.
Aside from the services brought by the City Health Office, the caravan also drew support from several partner offices, including the Local Civil Registry Office, the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), the Camarines Sur Provincial Health Office (PHO), the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the Cullion Foundation, and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).
A total of 201 individuals were screened during the activity, and those found to need further evaluation are now being followed up by the City Health Office for appropriate care and treatment. The caravan also yielded 48 National ID registrations, 50 YAKAP Program registrations, and more than 50 registrations of livebirths.
Initiatives like this reflect the city government’s commitment to bringing essential health and civil services directly to indigenous communities who often face barriers in accessing them. By integrating TB screening with birth registration, national ID application, and livelihood assistance in a single caravan, residents of the Oyango Tribe were able to access multiple services in one visit, reducing the time and cost typically involved in seeking these separately.
Source: Lungsod Ng Iriga