These mothers, who are also beneficiaries of the DSWD’s Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT) Program for Indigenous Peoples (IP) in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, were trained on blood pressure reading and interpretation, benefits of breastfeeding, importance of deworming and proper sanitation.
The said training is the first in the three sessions of the Training for Tribal Health Workers that aims to educate the mothers on good health and proper nutrition and train them to become registered tribal health workers.
According to Dr. Concepcion Lat of the City Health Office (CHO) of Antipolo, when they complete the series of trainings, they will be evaluated by the CHO and if they pass the evaluation, they will receive a certification to become a registered tribal health worker.
Dr. Lat added that these tribal health workers will help in ensuring good health and proper nutrition in the far-flung areas where the Dumagats reside. Further, they will also be a partner of the CHO and the DSWD in ensuring the compliance of other IP beneficiaries of the MCCT in the health component of the program.
Dumagat Tribal Chieftain Ernesto Doroteo shared his gratitude to the national and local government for this opportunity.
“Kahit malayo ang lugar namin, pilit n’yo pa rin kaming inaabot ng inyong mga programa. Ang training na ito ay malaking oportunidad para sa aming mga katutubo para malunasan ang aming mga problema sa kalusugan,” said Doroteo, who also promised their tribe’s full cooperation with the program.
Besides the training, a medical mission was also conducted in the said barangay. Around 430 beneficiaries of the MCCT have availed of free consultations, medicines and vitamins.
The MCCT is a component of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program that targets IPs in tribal communities in far-flung areas. The program allows beneficiaries to benefit from the government’s social protection programs, especially in improving their access to health, nutrition, sanitation and education services.
Like the regular Pantawid Pamilya program, beneficiaries are provided with cash subsidies upon complying with conditions on health, education and Family Development Sessions.# with reports from LSCabanos and RAFrancisco