More than 1,000 indigenous peoples (IPs) gathered in Barangay Sto. Niño of this town on Wednesday for the opening of a three-day medical and dental mission caravan.

The outreach program was spearheaded by the Youth With A Mission (YWAM) Ships Philippines, in partnership with the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine National Police, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

In an interview, YWAM Ships Philippines president Rheo Loseo said this is the group’s first caravan in the Davao Region, intended to deliver basic social services to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).

“Talaingod was recommended to us by the NTF-ELCAC, being a GIDA. We also chose this community because IPs here have limited access to healthcare and social services,” Loseo said.

He said the initiative aims to bring hope and promote peace, development, and community transformation.

Aside from medical and dental consultations, the caravan also offers free haircuts, medicines, circumcision and clothing.

Vice Governor Clarice Jubahib lauded the effort, saying it sends a strong message that healthcare must reach even the most remote communities.

“Your dedication, time, and heart for service inspire our local government to continue strengthening healthcare programs,” she said.

Mayor Jonie Libayao also expressed gratitude to the national government and partner agencies for supporting the initiative.

“Everybody is welcome here. I thank all the agencies involved in this caravan,” he said.

The caravan aims to serve over 3,000 IPs here for the three-day activity. (PNA)