Igorot kids benefit from outreach mission
PANTABANGAN, Nueva Ecija — The Nueva Ecija Press Club collaborated with the provincial health office, SM City-Cabanatuan and Agape Touch of Glory Health Care in conducting a medical, dental, gift-giving and feeding mission to a mountain tribe here on Friday.
Beneficiaries of the free clinic and outreach program were mostly children of an Igorot IP (indigenous people) community numbering about 400 people in the hinterlands of Sitio Tuli, Bgy. Villarica, which is located 10 kilometers away from the town proper.
NEPCI president Gina Magsanoc said they chose to hold the socio-civic activity for the mountain tribe because it is the town’s most remote area which could not be easily accessed by help.
“Gusto nating mabigyan ng inspirasyon ang mga batang ito at madama nila na mayroong mga taong naniniwala at nagmamalasakit sa kanila,” said Magsanoc.
Eulo Sablino, head of the Kankanaey IP tribe, who admitted that they thrive on planting vegetables and indigenous root crops to survive, thanked the organizers for bringing help to them.
Aside from antibiotics and vitamins, the PHO also provided free toothbrush and toothpaste to the kids. The SM City-Cabanatuan gave “SM Bears of Joy” with the NEPCI handing out toys and the Agape Touch of Glory Health Care providing food such as burgers during the activity.
Dr. Josie Garcia, PHO chief,said they will return to provide free vaccination to the kids and booster shots to the community
