THE 20TH City Council approved on second reading the ordinance to establish a facility in Southern Philippines Medical Center to shelter Indigenous People (IP) watchers and runners.
The ordinance was approved during the council’s 7th regular session on Feb. 20.
The IP-Muslims Kammott-Ikasama shelter will cover an area of 200 square meters and more or less cater to transient IPs assisting their family members in the hospital.
Councilor Rodolfo Mande, the IP mandatory representative, said the shelter will be responsive to the needs of the indigenous cultural communities, especially their access to healthcare.
As the proponent added, Mande will prioritize IPs who lack the financial capacity to stay for long periods during medication and consultation at SPMC.
The councilor recognized the dire situation that the IPs experience in the vicinity of the hospital, hence the creation of the shelter will accommodate the immediate needs of the watchers/runners.
Under the ordinance, any member of the 11 major tribes like the Klata, Ata, Matigsalug, Obu-Manuvu, Tagabawa, Tausug, Iranun, Kagan, Sama, Maranao, and Maguindanaoan can avail of the service.
The budget for the shelter will come from the Annual Development Fund. The first endorsement of the City Engineer’s Office to the City Planning and Development Office dated July 25, 2023, placed the estimated cost of the proposed building at P42 million.
The IPs may access food intervention, document assistance, transportation assistance, and monitoring and evaluation of confined patients. The building will serve as a one-stop shop with sleeping quarters and as a waiting area for the watchers of IP patients from far-flung areas in the city.
Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, committee on indigenous peoples, cultural communities, and Muslim affairs vice chair said the deed of usufruct will be prioritized to fast-track the shelter’s construction.
