ISABEL, Leyte– As modern state healthcare options begin to reach remote villages, indigenous people communities are finding themselves caught preserving their ancient customs while embracing new medical practices.
In Marvel village in Isabel town in Leyte, the Badjao, an indigenous seafaring community who have lived their lives intricately tied to the water, is facing modern times with new health challenges such as malnutrition, communicable diseases, and chronic illnesses, many of which are difficult to manage using their traditional practices alone.
For 33-year old Teresa Eneral, a Badjao mother of three reveals how the community still rely on traditional healing and by offering rituals to their ancestors during illnesses, and when these do not cure, seek the help of local medical professionals from the rural health unit.
“Maghalad pa gihapon mi, kung naa’y magkasakit, hilabi kung naa’y magpadamggo sa amo’ang mga ginikanan. Unya kung dili, iadto pa gihapon namon sa ospital,” Eneral said. (We still do rituals for the sick in our families, especially when our ancestors appear in our dreams. However, if this doesn’t work, we go seek the help in hospitals to treat them.)
Eneral also uses the modern family planning IUD (intra uterine device) with the full intention of achieving the right number of children pointing at economic challenges in raising a big family.
For 55-year old Nelsa Balanse said while they still rely on certain herbs and spiritual practices to treat ailments like fever, stomach aches or headaches, they now also recognize the value of antibiotics and vaccines for diseases that were once taboo in their communities.
“Nakahibalo naman mi nga importante pud ang magpakonsulta sa doktor, ang maggamit medisina aron matambal. Arion man pud mi sa mga taga RHU kanunay magkonsulta namo,” Balanse said. (We already know the importance of being consulted by a doctor and get medical treatment. The RHU would also visit us from time to time for check up.)
Despite crossing from traditional healing to modern medicine, the transition has not been without its hurdles. Some Badjao are wary of Western medicine, viewing it as a threat to their cultural identity or believing it undermines their traditional beliefs.
In addition, the Badjao face geographical and social challenges in accessing healthcare, as many live in far-flung coastal areas or on small islands where healthcare facilities are scarce.
In Isabel, Leyte the Badjao community resides near the Dupong River, which separates their village from the main town. A hanging bamboo bridge, which was sturdy to cross years ago, now stretches unsteady with many of its bamboo planks hanging loosely. A non-government organization, IKIKO Foundation, helped them build new homes on the shores of Barangay Marvel in 2018.
Under Republic Act No. 8371, also known as the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997, the government recognizes and promotes the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) in the Philippines, including their health rights. The law ensures access to basic services, including healthcare, and acknowledges the importance of traditional medicine and practices.
The Department of Health recently led a Stakeholders’ Convergence Meeting for Indigenous People’s Health in the region to ensure they have fair and equal access to healthcare services and resources that results to comparable health outcomes to the non-Indigenous population.
In this convergence of national government agencies, the National Strategic Plan for IPs’ Health was presented anew highlighting on the need to address systemic barriers, cultural safety, and historical injustices that contribute to health disparities among indigenous people.
Lawyer Hermie Jun Toledo, Hearing Officer of the National Commission on Indigenous People Iloilo, emphasized on the efforts of the government is making to increase awareness on laws and promotion on policies that support understanding and addressing the unique health needs of indigenous population and in developing culturally appropriate interventions.
Aside from the Badjao in Isabel, Leyte other indigenous people communities in the province are also found in Bato and Burauen towns while other communities, mostly the Mamanwa tribe, are found in other provinces such as in Southern Leyte, Biliran, Samar and Northern Samar.
(AHLETTE C.REYES, PIA-8)
