Govt. Agencies Link Pact on IP Health, Welfare

This was the pledge of DILG-Region 10, Department of Health (DOH), and other agencies as they recently signed the resolution on creating the Regional Inter-Agency Committee (RIAC) on Indigenous People’s Health in Northern Mindanao.

DILG 10 Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe said that the covenant signing is a testament of the government’s commitment to promote the health and welfare of the IPs in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA).

“The signing is one way to ensure that no one will be left behind if there is collaboration and good governance,” said DILG 10 Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe. “We, in the DILG, are always here for the various needs of our IPs.”

In the said resolution, DILG 10 committed to provide technical assistance in ensuring that IP-related projects, programs, and activities are integrated in the different local plans.

Moreover, the DILG will assist in the conduct of IP-related trainings as mandated in JMC 2013-01 or as directed by National Inter Agency Committee (NIAC).

“DILG 10 fully supports this resolution and together with our personnel, we will ensure that we will be able to deliver the mandates as far as our participation and contribution in the RIAC for GIDA IP Health in Northern Mindanao is concerned,” said RD Agabe.

DILG 10 also committed to advocate IP Health to local government units, as well as monitor and evaluate the functionality of the Provincial Inter Agency Committee (PIAC).

RD Agabe stated that the efforts in prioritizing the health and welfare of the IPs show the inclusivity of government services.

“We laud these initiatives since the DILG, along with other agencies, are also intensifying efforts in addressing the needs of the people, even in the farthest barangays, to finally end the local communist armed conflict,” RD Agabe said.

Such efforts are in line with the operationalization of EO 70, known as the “Whole of Nation Approach”, which is eyed to address the root causes of insurgency by addressing the needs of the people, especially in far-flung areas.

Efforts of national and local governments include facilitating societal inclusivity and ensuring active participation of all sectors of the society in the pursuit of the country’s peace agenda. (DILG)