Rolly Magallanes Posted on November 05, 2026 at 8:37 AM
Tacloban City — A health caravan by the Department of Health (DOH) brought free medical services to Mamanwa communities in Samar, but questions remain about their access to regular healthcare once the outreach activity ends.
The caravan, held in October as part of National Indigenous Peoples Month, served Mamanwa residents from Sta. Rita, Marabut, and Basey.
Services included free medical consultations, vision screening, and the distribution of prescription eyeglasses. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and local government units also provided counseling, haircuts, manicure and pedicure services.
While the activity gave residents a chance to receive medical attention without having to arrange separate consultations, it also raised questions about the availability of healthcare in their communities.
For families who live far from health facilities, seeking medical attention can mean spending money on transportation and taking time to travel to the nearest health center or hospital. Access to doctors, medicines, and other basic services may also be a concern.
The DOH has yet to provide details on how many Mamanwa residents benefited from the caravan and whether similar activities will be held regularly in the three municipalities.
Led by Senior Health Program Officer Arlyn Perlado, the activity was conducted in coordination with Samar Provincial Health Team Leader Dr. Ludina Insigne. Other participating agencies joined the caravan to provide medical and social services.
The DOH said the activity was part of its efforts to make government health and social protection programs accessible to Indigenous Peoples.
However, residents’ access to healthcare cannot depend solely on occasional medical missions. Regular consultations, available medicines, health workers, and accessible health facilities are also necessary to meet their medical needs.
The DOH and local health offices need to ensure that Mamanwa families can seek medical attention even when there is no scheduled health caravan.
Photo Courtesy: DOH8
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