RIZAL, ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE — Demonstrating its commitment to the well-being of local farmers, the NIA Region 9 conducted a health awareness orientation on Monkeypox Virus and conducted follow-up checkups for Medical Mission farmer-beneficiaries on June 3, 2025 in Barangay La Esperanza, Rizal. The initiative was led by NIA Region IX Industrial Nurse Ms. Carousel Mae D. Lamatan, in coordination with Nilabo Longonon Irrigators Association, Inc.
The orientation aimed to educate farmers about Monkeypox including its symptoms, modes of transmission, preventive measures, and available treatments particularly in rural areas where access to health education is often limited. By providing timely and relevant health information, the activity helped strengthen the IA's capacity to prevent and respond to potential outbreaks.
As part of the program, Nurse Lamatan also performed medical follow-ups on five farmer-beneficiaries who underwent minor surgical procedures during the May 5, 2025 Medical Mission. The checkups ensured proper recovery and provided additional care and guidance. Through initiatives like this, NIA continues to go beyond irrigation services by promoting the overall health and productivity of its farmer-partners.