TBPeople Philippines: Spreading Awareness and Building Partnerships Across Central Luzon, Ilocos Region and NCR for a TB-Free Future

In early October 2024, the TBPeople Philippines team began their journey in Central Luzon (Bulacan and Pampanga), Ilocos Region (La Union and Pangasinan), and National Capital Region (Manila). Their mission focused on introducing the organization to the regions and organizing various activities, including TB awareness campaigns, TB educational and workplace programs, and media engagements. Through these efforts, the organization aimed to equip individuals with the knowledge needed for early detection, encourage proper care and address the stigma often associated with TB, ultimately nurturing a more supportive environment for those affected by the disease.

Bulacan

The team’s first stop was at Bahay at Yaman ni San Martin De Porres Inc. in Bustos, Bulacan, where they conducted a dual-focused TB education and TB in the Workplace program for staff and students. The program provided an opportunity for students and staff at the orphanage to learn about the importance of understanding TB and how they can protect themselves and their community. The presentations covered essential information about the symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures, empowering the participants with knowledge that could contribute to healthier communities.

For the orphanage staff, the training emphasized their rights as employees, particularly regarding healthcare access and employment rights in case they contract TB. The students actively engaged with the presentations, demonstrating a keen interest in learning about the disease. The program was a valuable experience for everyone involved. This holistic approach aimed to build a well-informed community where both staff and students are prepared to raise awareness, promote understanding, and offer support to those affected by TB.

Pampanga

The next engagement took the team to Pampanga for a media appearance. President and Founder of TBPeople Philippines Ms. Eloisa Zepeda-Teng, along with key team members Media and Campaign Officer: Mr. Luisito Tay and IT Head: Mr. Alvin Ferry, was featured live on Newsline Central Luzon TV 103.1 FM in San Fernando, Pampanga where they were interviewed by Mr. Jo Salazar. This appearance aims to increase public awareness about tuberculosis (TB) and the ongoing efforts to combat this public health challenge in Central Luzon and beyond. The team highlighted the importance of understanding TB, reducing stigma, and ensuring that people affected by TB have access to the care and support they need.

During the live broadcast, TBPeople Philippines also discussed their strategic initiatives and plans to end tuberculosis in the country. This will include expanding community education, strengthening partnerships with healthcare providers, and advocating for better access to diagnosis and treatment. 

Another media engagement brought the team to RW 95.1, where they joined radio anchors Mr. Boy Santiago, Mr. Perry Pangan, and Mr. Albert Lacanlale for a lively and insightful discussion on tuberculosis (TB) awareness. The goal of this appearance was to increase public knowledge about TB, including prevention, treatment, and support for those affected. 

The light-hearted and engaging atmosphere of the media appearance allowed for an informative conversation, making it easier for listeners to absorb critical information about TB. The organization’s appearance on Radio Guesting is part of its broader mission to create a well-informed society that can collectively work towards eliminating TB. By reaching out through media channels, TBPeople Philippines aims to engage with a wider audience, build community support, and ultimately contribute to the national and global goal of ending tuberculosis as a public health threat.

La Union

Following their media appearance in Pampanga, the TBpeople Philippines team had a productive media engagement at Bombo Radyo La Union, where they were interviewed by Mr. Randulph Madera.  President and Founder, Ms. Ma. Eloisa Zepeda-Teng, IT Head, Mr. Alvin Ferry, and Media Officer Mr. Joegene Mangilaya highlighted the current challenges, particularly the lack of adequate medication for tuberculosis (TB), as well as the future plans of TBPeople Philippines in La Union. The discussion aimed to raise awareness about TB and the importance of improving access to medication to support those affected by the disease.

After their media appearance, the team met with representatives from the Red Cross La Union Chapter to explore opportunities for future collaboration. The meeting focused on joint efforts to improve TB detection, treatment, and support systems within the region. By building alliances with organizations like the Red Cross, TBPeople Philippines hopes to create a more comprehensive response to the challenges faced by TB patients and strengthen community-level healthcare. 

Pangasinan

Continuing their mission, the team traveled to Pangasinan to further advance their TB awareness efforts. TBPeople Philippines team conducted a tuberculosis (TB) orientation in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan successfully engaging various community stakeholders including health workers, SK leaders, nurses, and doctors in the collective effort to end TB. The orientation emphasized the importance of awareness, prevention, and timely treatment of TB, and encouraged community collaboration in tackling this pressing public health challenge. A key highlight of the event was the city’s plan to establish a local TBPeople City Association, which aims to support TB patients and strengthen community involvement in the fight against the disease. TBPeople Philippines is deeply grateful to Dr. Rachel Ann Parayno, City Health Officer II, and Nurse Virgilyn Angosta, City Health Nurse II, for their invaluable support in making the event a success.

The TBPeople Philippines team also visited Labrador Municipality, where they held a courtesy call with Mayor Ernesto I. Acain, C.E., and Municipal Health Officer Dra. Antonette L. Rico. The discussions centered on plans to create TBPeople City Association, aimed at empowering individuals and communities in the fight against TB. By establishing these local associations, TBPeople Philippines hopes to nurture greater awareness, reduce stigma, and mobilize community resources to provide comprehensive support for TB patients. 

The team made another courtesy call visit to the Pangasinan Provincial Health Office, led by Dr. Anna Ma. Teresa S. De Guzman (PHO 2), Dr. Cielo E. Almoite (PHO 1), and Mr. Eugenio Carlos S. Paragas (Nurse 3 and TB Program Manager). The discussions centered on strengthening collaboration to enhance tuberculosis (TB) prevention and care efforts within the province. A key outcome of the meeting was the plan to create a TBPeople City Association in Pangasinan, which aims to provide additional support to those affected by TB and increase community engagement in the fight against the disease. The health office leadership expressed enthusiasm for advancing TB management initiatives in workplaces, particularly by engaging the private sector. 

The TBPeople Philippines team also had the honor of meeting with Senator Col. Ariel Querubin during a courtesy call with the Municipal Mayor of Lingayen, Hon. Leopoldo N. Bataoil, along with Councilors on Health, SBM Rodulfo Luigi F. Morosi, and SBM Jasper Pasion. The meeting was further supported by Nurse II Milani V. Manaoat of the Municipal Health Office and Medical Technologist II Michelle A. Boria. During the discussions, TBPeople Philippines presented their advocacy work, outlining future plans to expand their community efforts, which include the establishment of a local TBPeople City Association in Lingayen, Pangasinan. 

To further raise TB awareness, TBPeople Philippines was featured live on Radyo Pilipinas Dagupan. During the broadcast, the team highlighted the importance of understanding TB, reducing the stigma associated with the disease, and ensuring that people affected by TB have access to the care and support they need. This media engagement aimed to reach a wider audience in Pangasinan, spreading vital information on TB prevention, treatment, and support. 

UP Manila

After the team’s activities in Bulacan, Pampanga, La Union, and Pangasinan. The final, yet equally significant, engagement took place at the University of the Philippines in Manila. TBPeople Philippines team headed to UP Manila to conduct a tuberculosis (TB) orientation and education program at the UP College of Medicine. The program aimed to introduce the organization and outline its plans in the fight to end TB, emphasizing the important role of today’s youth in shaping the future of healthcare. The team encouraged future medical professionals to take an active stance in TB advocacy, fostering a generation of healthcare providers committed to advancing TB care, reducing misconceptions, and ensuring equitable healthcare access for all.

The program provided a platform for TBPeople Philippines to engage with aspiring doctors, encouraging them to be proactive in TB advocacy and become champions for better healthcare access and awareness. Through meaningful discussions, the organization aimed to encourage a deeper understanding of the challenges surrounding TB management. By inspiring these future healthcare professionals, TBpeople Philippines hopes to motivate them to prioritize TB as a critical public health issue, integrate TB care into their future practice, and contribute to building a more inclusive and responsive healthcare system.

TBPeople Philippines expressed gratitude to Dr. Portia Grace Marcelo for providing the opportunity to interact with these future healthcare leaders. Engaging with the next generation of medical professionals is crucial to ensuring sustained efforts in combating TB, ultimately working towards a healthier Philippines.

The journey of TBpeople Philippines across the regions—from Bulacan to Pampanga, La Union, Pangasinan, and Manila—has created a profound and lasting impact. Every interaction—from meaningful partnerships with local governments, healthcare providers, media engagements, and community groups- served as a stepping stone toward the collective goal of eliminating TB. Through these initiatives, the organization remains committed to its goal to eradicate TB, ensuring that those affected by TB receive the care and support they deserve. With sustained advocacy and strengthened community involvement, TBpeople Philippines is helping shape a future where every Filipino has access to better healthcare and the hope of a TB-free Philippines.