Anchored in its mission of uplifting communities, Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. (Apo Agua) strengthens its support to the health and wellness of its five host communities through its annual Medical, Dental, and Legal Outreach program.
Now on its 7th year of implementation, Apo Agua, in collaboration with its government partners, provided free medical and dental consultations, as well as legal assistance to over 1,500 residents, particularly members of the Indigenous Peoples communities of Barangays Gumalang, Wines, Tawantawan, Tambobong, and Tamugan. These essential services were made available through the partnerships with the City Health Office (CHO), Baguio District Health Office, Marilog Health Office, National Commision on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region XI, Armed Forces of the Philippines 27th Infantry Battalion- Alpha Company, Davao City Police Office- Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay (DCPPO-RPSB) Cluster 6 and 13, City Council Committee on Health, and District 3 Councilors.
Aside from the medical and dental checkups and legal consultations, the beneficiaries from the host barangays were also given free prescribed medicines and vitamins. Additionally, the community development program offered free circumcision for boys, which was conducted by volunteer doctors.
“In collaboration with various city and national government agencies, we have joined forces with private organizations to extend healthcare services to rural communities. This partnership allows us to go beyond our regular programs offered by the District Health Offices and ensure that quality healthcare reaches those living in remote areas,” Dr. Thomas Miguel Ababon, acting City Health Officer remarked.
The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region XI provided medical and legal services to members of the communities particularly Obu- Manuvu and Bagobo- Klata indigenous peoples in the said five barangays.
NCIP RXI Regional Director Mumar M. Mamukid shared that, “Aside from the medical services, the NCIP Team extends legal advice, legal documents for birth certificate registration, name correction and affidavit for both indigenous and non-indigenous peoples of the communities. This collaborative effort between government agencies and the private sector demonstrates a commitment to address healthcare and legal challenges faced by the indigenous peoples. This annual initiative spearheaded by Apo Agua is crucial in promoting health equity and improving health and well-being of indigenous cultural communities.”
Apo Agua President Anna Lu also emphasized how this program affirms the company’s commitment to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) namely SDG 3, focusing on good health and well-being, and SDG 6, centered on clean water and sanitation.
“Now in its seventh year, this annual initiative is a testament to our commitment in uplifting communities by improving access to primary health care for our communities, especially for mothers and children. We are thankful to all our volunteers, medical personnel, barangay council and functionaries, and our team members for their dedication to serve our partner communities. At Apo Agua, we are committed to being part of the solution in producing safe, reliable, and sustainable water to augment the growing water demand of Davao City. ” Lu said.
