In celebration of the Tinagba Festival 2023, the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur, through the Provincial Health Office (PHO), in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Iriga City, together with the City Health Office (CHO), City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO), and Civil Service Unit (CSU), conducted a four-day series of medical mission on February 6-8 and 10, 2023 held at the Iriga City Sports Complex.
To avoid overcrowding of the venue and to better serve the people, a schedule was provided for the four-day event. The first day catered to the senior citizens of Iriga City, followed by the scheduled medical mission for its indigenous people. While on the third day, the healthcare services were provided to persons with disabilities along with the general public of the city. On the fourth and last day, the free medical services were given to the farmers of Iriga City.
“Nagkainteres po ako kan nahiling ko si tarpaulin kan medical mission para sa indigent, senior citizen, tapos sa PWD,” shared Rosel Lazibal, councilor of the Agta-Tabangon Tribe in Barangay Perpetual Help, Iriga City who informed their community of the medical mission. “Naglibot po ako samuya para masabihan sinda na may libreng checkup, ultrasound, asin bulong kaya nagin interesado po sindang maray dahilan sa libre na po gabos.”
During the medical mission, Irigueños were able to avail of the free medical services such as medical checkups, blood chemistry, urinalysis, X-ray, ultrasound, and ECG. Free medicines and vitamins were also provided. Meanwhile, free dental services were also provided in line with the Philippine Oral Health Month Celebration.
“Sobra an pasalamat mi ta bilang sarong indigent, si dai mi pa nararanasan kan panahon, nararanasan mi na ngunyan. Priority na kami kan gobyerno. Dakulang tabang ini na nahihiling na kami, na dai na kami kinakasupog. Bilang sarong tribo, pinagmamalaki na kami digdi.” Lazibal shared of their experience being a member of the indigent group in their city and finally having the means to avail the services of the government.
