Davao Norte tribal leaders express alarm over spread of diseases; urge gov’t intervention

TALAINGOD, Davao del Norte, July 30 (PNA) -- Leaders of indigenous communities expressed alarm over the spread of rashes, fever and colds, and diarrhea in far-flung Ata-Manobo villages in Talaingod, this province.

Datu Duloman Dawsay, leader of Salugpungan Ta Tanu Igkanugon, said these diseases usually hit the children.

He said they fear for the worst since the Ata-Manobo communities do not have access to basic health services especially medicines that would prevent casualties.

“The victims may die in the middle of the road going to the nearest hospital just to get help,” Dawsay said.

Kerlan Fanagel, regional coordinator of the IP group Katribu, urged the government for immediate intervention, lamenting that the health crisis in Talaingod is a result of the misplaced priorities of the local government.

Fanagel said the indigenous peoples are most vulnerable to epidemics and outbreaks of supposedly curable diseases because aside from being poor, they are also prone to discrimination.

“The emergency situation in Talaingod calls for immediate action and the sympathy and solidarity of different groups and individuals,” he urged. (PNA)
LOR/Joey Sem G. Dalumpines/lvp