Talaingod: More than 1,000 indigenous peoples (IPs) gathered in Barangay Sto. Ni±o 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.

According to Philippines News Agency, YWAM Ships Philippines president Rheo Loseo stated that this is the group's first caravan in the Davao Region, aimed at delivering 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 explained. The initiative's goal is to bring hope and promote peace, development, and community transformation.

The caravan offers not only medical and dental consultations but also free haircuts, medicines, circumcision, and clothing. Vice Governor Clarice Jubahib praised the effort, emphasizing its importance in ensuring healthcare reaches remote communities. "Your dedication, time, and heart for service inspire our local government to continue strengthening healthcare programs," she remarked.

Mayor Jonie Libayao expressed his gratitude to the national government and partner agencies for their support of 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 during the three-day activity.