From April 27–30, 2026, Culion Foundation, Inc. (CFI), in partnership with Center for Conservation Innovations PH, Inc., embarked on a Lakbay-Aral in Mindoro to deepen our understanding of the realities faced by Indigenous communities and strengthen pathways for inclusive health access.
On the first day, the delegation paid courtesy visits to the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and Oriental Mindoro Provincial Hospital to learn more about the situation of the Mangyans — Indigenous peoples of Mindoro.
These conversations offered valuable insight into the persistent barriers Indigenous Peoples continue to face in accessing healthcare — from geographic isolation and limited health services to the financial burden of transportation, medicines, and other essential needs. These challenges contribute to heightened vulnerability to illness and preventable health risks among many Indigenous families.
As we listened and learned, Day 1 grounded this journey in a deeper understanding of the need for culturally responsive, community-centered, and inclusive health systems.
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