At least 100 farmers in the Manobo village of Hinapoyan in Carmen town, Surigao del Sur, received free veterinary services from the provincial government Wednesday.

In a statement Thursday, the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) said the delivery of free veterinary services formed part of the provincial government’s service caravan targeting different Indigenous People (IP) communities.

“The service caravan brings various government programs and services to the IP communities mostly situated in geographically isolated areas in the province which are prone to misinformation and insurgency, and vulnerable to threats and hazards, PVO said.

PVO, in partnership with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, extended free vitamin supplementation, deworming and free animal consultation and treatment to the IP village’s farm animals.

Some 381 heads of chickens and eight ducks were given free vitamin supplementation by the PVO to IP farmers engaged in poultry raising.

Also, 55 heads of swine and five carabaos were turned over along with essential vitamins and deworming services.

The PVO also conducted free vaccination for 33 pet dogs owned by the residents in line with the anti-rabies campaign of the provincial government.

Other government agencies that joined the activity provided the IPs free legal consultations, medical and dental checkups and birth registrations.

School children also received free vitamin supplements and school supplies, among others. (PNA)