by Dani G. Ortega, CHS Â | Dec 05 2024
On November 26, 2024, the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) and Rogongon Indigenous People (IP) Community successfully signed a MOA at Sitio Salingsing, Barangay Rogongon, Iligan City.
The MOA Signing event, in line with the approved institute-funded project titled, “Culturally Tailored Maternal Healthcare: Examining the Needs of Young Higaonon Mothers.” (S.O No. 00279–2024) started with a ritual executed by 4 baylans of Sitio Salingsing.
Mr. Demalie Comonog, the Community Service Center Head National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Provincial office, led the opening remarks and introduced the Provincial Officer NCIP LDN, Buddy Landong.
Comonog then introduced the team from MSU-IIT, Dr. Neil M. Martin, RN, MAN, MBE, project leader, and members Nona Krislin G. Jopillo, MAN, RN, LPT and Johanna Jiel P. Cortes, RN, MAN from the College of Health Sciences (CHS), Associate Professor Jay Rome O. De Los Santos (CASS), and Dr. Rizalina Gomez from CED.
After introducing the MSU-IIT proponents to the community, Comonog then re-echoed the contents of the MOA to the community, and the signing of MOA followed thereafter.
In attendance at the MOA signing were First Party: Datu Melvin "Kiamo" Enluran- Chieftain of Sitio Salingsing, Datu Charlito Rondahan, Chieftain of Sitio Dungguan, and Rody H. Undiman Jr., Sitio Salingsing Purok Leader, and Flora Mae L. Cunto who were witnesses to the signing.
Second Party: MSU-IITs Atty. Yaslani Bantuas, the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance, who represented the Chancellor, Professor Alizedney M. Ditucalan, acted as a witness.
Fundador Binahon Jr. represented the Third Party, while Landong, Comonog and other NCIP officials Mylene Lubas, Esedrita Daumar also acted as witnesses to the signing.
In line with Sustainable Development (SDG) Goal 3-Good Health & Well-being and SDG 5 reducing inequality, particularly the IP community. The project and study aims to investigate the specific needs of young Indigenous People (IPs) mothers to help identify and address disparities to contribute to more equitable healthcare outcomes.
The internally funded research also aims to address young mothers’ specific maternal healthcare needs to empower them to engage in healthcare decision-making and lead to increased trust in healthcare systems and improve their health-seeking behavior.
Research on the maternal healthcare needs of young Higaonon mothers can also help provide evidence for the development of policies and programs tailored to the specific needs of this demographic, which can lead to more effective and targeted public health initiatives.
The study results can also be used to help enhance the cultural competence of healthcare providers, and the training of healthcare professionals to understand and respect cultural nuances of Indigenous communities can lead to better communication and healthcare delivery.
Thus, by addressing these needs, we can contribute to the empowerment and well-being of both young mothers and the Higaonon community of Barangay Rogongon, Iligan City in general.