The DOH Central Luzon Center for Health Development (DOH CLCHD) hosted the 2024 TB Survivors Summit at Quest Plus Conference Center, Clark.
The summit, whose theme is “Sa Tibay ng Bayanihan, TB ay ating Wakasan!”, summit aims to commemorate the Lung Month 2024 by empowering TB survivors and encouraging their involvement in patient support groups.
Led by the Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire, together with DOH CLCHD Regional Director Corazon FLores, OIC-ARD Lailani Mangulabnan, and OIC-LHSD Chief Maria Eloisa Vidar, this activity served as a venue for survivors and support group leaders to share experiences, build collaborations, and work together towards ending TB in Central Luzon. Also in attendance were Ms. Amara Quesada, Executive Director of Action for Health Initiatives (ACHIEVE), Inc., and Ms. Florita Dalida, Founder of TB HEALS, Regional Coordinator – CallKaLungs TB Community Hotline, Regional Site Lead – OneImpact Ph.
Various TB Survivors from different sectors and backgrounds in Central Luzon also graced the event. To help in developing supportive communities for TB patients, representatives from different support groups such as TB People Philippines, TB HEALS, and Breathe Free PH discussed their initiatives and programs. This initiative is also in partnership and collaboration with the Philippines Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
RD Flores in her message emphasized that this event is a testimony of the agency’s continuous dedication and collaborative efforts in the fight to end TB. She stated, “And as we continue with our program today, let us keep in mind our goals: to bridge the gaps in increasing TB case detection, TB treatment success, and TB preventive treatment rates to decrease mortalities caused by this disease. Sa ating pagtutulungan, naniniwala akong mapapabuti pa natin ang pagpapalakas ng programang ito.”
Usec Vergeire in her message stated the current TB situation in the country and the importance of working together towards a TB-free Philippines. “I want for all of you to see the bigger picture of TB and its effects on the lives of Filipinos as a whole. Our problem with TB is a vicious cycle. Thus, we see that TB is a major health equity issue that is addressed by not only improving access to health services, but also improving the living conditions of our kababayans. Patient support groups are really important in our race to end TB, dahil napakahirap po talaga na makatapos ng gamutan. Nanininwala ako na sa ating malasakit at pagsasama-sama, ang tuberculosis ay kaya nating tuldukan,” Usec Vergeire said.
The topic on TB-related Stigma and Discrimination and Emerging Response was discussed by Ms. Quesada. She highlighted the initiatives that their organization provides to reach out to TB patients in need of support.
During the plenary session, TB survivors shared their stories of courage in overcoming the burden of TB. The discussions included their experiences in seeking support and how they fought the stigma. They encouraged and advocated for stigma and TB free communities. This was followed by the discussions from different support groups on the Journey to Building Supportive Communities.
The Pledge of Commitment Ceremony was led by Dr. Vidar. It was a very symbolic ceremony depicting the challenges faced by TB survivors and how “Bayanihan” could make a difference in promoting change and advancing initiatives to end TB.
Winners of the Jingle Making Contest were also recognized in their artistic way of encouraging the fight against TB.
ARD Mangulabnan closed the program saying, “Our journey does not end here. It is crucial that we take the ideas and strategies we have discussed and implement them in our respective communities. Sama-sama tayong gumagawa ng hakbang tungo sa mas malusog at TB-free na kinabukasan para sa bawat Pamilyang Pilipino at komunidad.”
