Several mayors, lawmakers, and health officials in Negros Oriental converged in Dumaguete to intensify the campaign against tuberculosis and launch the TB Sugpuin, Sama-sama Kayang-Kaya program.
The meeting, headed by the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Negros Oriental chapter, aimed to ensure the local chief executives’ support and commitment to work for the passage and implementation of ordinances that will improve TB program services and financing.
Jimalalud Mayor Reynaldo Tuanda, chapter president, said he hopes this can provide a deeper understanding on tuberculosis particularly its magnitude and impact in their respective localities.
He said he also hoped that his fellow Mayors and their Health personnel will commit to support and sustain existing initiatives such as the provision of annual funding, capacity-building of all concerned key players, ensure accreditation with TB-DOTS (Directly-Observed Treatment Short course) centers, strengthen the convergence of all stakeholders.
Gracing the launching of TB Sugpuin were Gov. Roel Degamo, Vice Gov. Apolinario Arnaiz Jr, DOH Regional Director Susana Mandarieta, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Edgardo Barredo, the Provincial Board members, the City and Municipal Health officers, the Mayors, and the Sanggunian Bayan members.
The League of Municipalities has achieved major milestones with its LGU-initiated TB control program. To date, the TB program has been cascaded in 16 of the 18 priority provinces in the country through an approved LMP resolution pushing for the implementation of the TB Control Program. (PIA NegOr/JCT)
