BARMM outreach benefits 200 IPs

SERVICING THE INDIGENTS ---  Health ministry workers of the Bangsamoro Autonomous in Muslim Mindanao attend to a member of the indigenous people  during an outreach mission in Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao last October 9.  Similar programs are set to take place in chosen IP areas across the BARMM during the celebration of the IP month this October. (PHOTO COURTESY OF MIPA-BARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’) 

COTABATO CITY  ---  In celebration of the Indigenous Peoples’ (IPs) Month, the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples' Affairs of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MIPA-BARMM) organized a medical-dental outreach program in Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao last October 9 that benefitted at least 200 IPs.

MIPA Minister Melanio Ulama said the outreach program, conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Health (MOH)-BARMM and the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, seeks to bring government services to far-flung tribal communities in the region.

Ulama said the team from the MOH-BARMM offered medical and dental consultation and free circumcision and distributed medicines and vitamins to the IPs, particularly children.

The group also distributed slippers and hygiene kits that include a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and towel.

“They also had a feeding program to IP children consisting of hot arrozcaldo (rice porridge) and boiled eggs,” Ulama said.

Mayor Datu Marshall Sinsuat lauded the MIPA and its partners for choosing his town as a recipient of basic services and medical programs.

He said the smiles that the recipients showed were indications of their appreciation for the MIPA efforts.

Ulama said the program was just the beginning for the series of activities planned by MIPA for remote communities in the BARMM during the IP month of October. (EDWIN FERNANDEZ, PNA – COTABATO / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)