TBpeople Philippines Strengthens Tuberculosis Awareness and Support Efforts in the Bicol Region
TBpeople Philippines recently visited the Bicol Region to raise awareness about tuberculosis (TB) and introduce their organization’s advocacy, projects, and initiatives to combat TB in local communities. This strategic visit aims to address the ongoing public health challenge posed by TB and enhance community support for those affected by the disease.
The first major engagement in the region was a meeting led by Mr. Victor Tudtud, the Public Relations Officer and Operations Head, alongside Alvin Ferry, the IT Head of TBpeople Philippines. They met with key local stakeholders, including Pastor Rod Lopez, Atty. Juris, and Mr. Andy, the owner of Seattle’s Best Coffee in Naga. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce TBpeople Philippines formally, establish rapport with local leaders, and explore opportunities to strengthen TB-related initiatives in the Bicol Region. A significant focus of the discussion was forming a dedicated support group for TB patients in the Bicolano community. Additionally, the meeting set the stage for future engagements and collaborations to reinforce TB care and advocacy throughout the region.
Building on this foundational meeting, TBpeople Philippines engaged with various media outlets in the Bicol Region to further amplify their message. Mr. Tudtud and Mr. Ferry were featured in several radio interviews, including Radyo Pilipinas 96.9 FM in Camarines Norte, 91.5 Brigada News FM in Legazpi City, 89.1 Bicol Idol FM Legazpi, and 91.9 BBS FM. One significant result of these interviews is the coming out of one radio anchor, Mr Jun Bagwis of Radyo Pilipinas where he confesses for the first time over the live program that he was treated with TB for 9 months during the onset of the Pandemic in 2020. Truly, these media appearances served as a powerful platform to raise TB awareness, inform the public about the organization’s mission, and encourage active participation in TB-related initiatives.
During these interviews, TBpeople Philippines highlighted the innovative OneImpact app, which serves as a valuable tool for TB patients and advocates. This app empowers TB patients by providing critical information, support, and resources, facilitating better care management and access to services. Furthermore, the team promoted the “Fast Track the Cure” campaign, which aims to accelerate efforts to eliminate TB through early detection, timely treatment, and sustained community involvement.
This visit to the Bicol Region is just the beginning of TBpeople Philippines’ broader efforts to establish a presence in the area. With the establishment of a support group for Bicolanos affected by TB and plans for future engagements, the organization is committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of TB patients and contributing to the larger fight against the disease in the country.
