Gov’t caravan brings health, social services to Eskaya community in Bohol

By Elvira C. Bongosia

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) — Government agencies brought health, social welfare, and livelihood services to the Eskaya Indigenous Peoples (IP) community in Barangay Lundag, Pilar, as part of Indigenous Peoples Month and the 28th anniversary of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA).

The outreach program formed part of the Association of United Development Information Officers (AUDIO) and PhilHealth’s YAKAP Information and Service Caravan held on October 24.

The event also allowed agencies to engage directly with residents in remote and mountainous barangays.

Moreover, the event highlighted the collaboration among the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Provincial Government of Bohol, and the local government of Pilar.

“Through this caravan, we hope that our IP brothers and sisters can easily access the information and help they need, from social services and livelihood support to education and health programs,” said AUDIO-Bohol president Doris Isabel Racho in her message.

“Together, we aim to empower every member of the Eskaya community, ensuring that you are informed, protected, and included in our nation’s journey toward health, security, and progress,” Racho added.

Access to government services

PhilHealth brought its membership services and health information campaign to the community, ensuring that the Eskaya IPs are aware of their rights and benefits under the National Health Insurance Program.

The agency also promoted its expanded Konsulta package under the Yaman ng Kalusugan (YAKAP) program, which covers free outpatient consultations, laboratory tests, medicines, and cancer screening.

During the caravan, about 200 Eskaya IPs also took advantage of other services, including:Philippine Statistics Authority: PhilID registration

Social Security System and Pag-IBIG Fund: Membership and data updating

47th Infantry Battalion: Free haircut services

Department of Agriculture–ATI Central Visayas: Farming guides, IEC materials, free seedlings, and raffle items

Office of the Provincial Agriculturist: Free fruit tree seedlings

IEC materials were also distributed by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Philippine Carabao Center, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

For its part, the Department of Information and Communications Technology provided satellite internet connectivity, while Barangay Lundag also shared internet access for online transactions.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Governor’s Medical Outreach Unit provided free medicines to complement the services of the Rural Health Unit of Pilar.

At least 100 Grade 1 pupils of the Lundag Integrated School received school bags and supplies from the Provincial Education Development Center, along with early Christmas gift packs from AUDIO-Bohol members.

Community expresses gratitude

The Eskaya IP Council of Lundag, led by Tribal Leader Sundon Epefanio Carias, thanked the agencies for traveling to their community despite difficult road access.

“Bisan sa kalayo niining among lugar nga nahimutang diri sa bukid ug di pa gyud maayo ang dalan, gi-anhi gyud me ninyo aron mahatagan sa nagkalain-laing serbisyo. Daghan kaayong salamat,” Carias said.

(Even though our place is far deep into the mountains and the roads are not in good condition, you still came to provide us with various services. Thank you very much.)

Twenty-seven-year-old mother of three, Nelfa Bago of Purok 3, shared her appreciation for the free medical consultation and medicines she received.

“Salamat kaayo kay kining mga tambal ug ang pagpa-konsulta unta sa pribadong tambalanan, daku na unta me og mabayran ani samtang gihatag lamang kini ug libre karong adlawa,” Bago said.

(Thank you very much because these medicines and consultations would have cost us a lot in a private clinic, and they were given for free today.) (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)

AUDIO-Bohol members led by President Doris Isabel Racho turn over pre-loved items, school supplies, and Christmas goodies to Eskaya Tribal Leader Sundon Epefanio Carias and Lundag Barangay Chairman Armando Busano during the AUDIO-Bohol and PhilHealth YAKAP Information and Service Caravan held at the Lundag Covered Court on Oct. 24, 2025. (ECB/PIA 7-Bohol)