Calamba, Laguna –CALAMBA Medical Center (CMC) successfully concluded the Dayang Masalanta Awards 2025 at Seda Nuvali, bringing together healthcare leaders, partner institutions, and medical professionals in a gala night dedicated to recognizing excellence and commitment in the fight against tuberculosis (TB).
The event, themed in a vibrant spectrum of red symbolizing urgency, passion, and solidarity in public health, underscored the continuing national effort to address one of the Philippines’ most persistent infectious diseases.
The awards program, launched in 2022, originally began as a recognition initiative for top physicians referring patients to the TB-DOTS program of CMC.
Over the years, it has expanded into a broader platform that now honors healthcare workers, institutions, local government units, and civil society organizations involved in TB prevention, treatment, and advocacy.
In 2024, the initiative widened its scope further to strengthen collaboration across sectors, reflecting a more community-driven approach to tuberculosis care.
This year’s ceremony marked another milestone as it welcomed key figures in Philippine healthcare, including former Department of Health Undersecretary Enrique Tayag.
Award Categories and 2025 Honorees
The 2025 Dayang Masalanta Awards recognized outstanding contributions through three major categories:
Gawad Tanglaw, given to individuals with exceptional contributions in TB control, was awarded to Dr. Krystle Bliss Fetalvero of the Department of Family and Community Medicine.
Gawad Kaagapay, honoring institutions with impactful TB programs and services, was conferred to CalambaD octors Hospital.
Gawad Husay at Puso, presented to the CMC physician with the highest TB-DOTS referrals, was awarded to Dr. Mylen M. Briones (IM–Pulmonology).
CMC emphasized that the awards represent more than recognition, describing the program as a reflection of its continuing commitment to public health and community partnership.
TB Remains a Major Public Health Concern
During a related discussion featured in the program, Dr. Rhodora Ocampo underscored the continued burden of tuberculosis in the Philippines and the need for sustained, coordinated action across sectors.
She stated: “Tuberculosis remains one of the most pressing public health concerns in the Philippines, and in areas like Calamba, we continue to see a high number of cases that demand sustained action from all sectors.”
Dr. Ocampo further explained that TB is influenced by multiple interconnected factors beyond infection alone.
She noted: “This is not only a medical disease caused by a bacterium—it is also affected by nutrition, living conditions, and family and community dynamics, which all play a role in transmission and recovery.”
Emphasizing patient responsibility and treatment success, she added: “Early consultation and completing the full course of treatment are critical. We encourage everyone diagnosed with TB to seek care immediately and follow through until they are fully healed.”
A Call for Stronger Collaboration
Health experts and stakeholders at the event echoed the importance of strengthened partnerships among hospitals, government agencies, and communities to further reduce TB incidence in the country.
CMC reaffirmed its commitment to expand TB-DOTS and community-based programs, stressing that the fight against tuberculosis requires a shared responsibility rooted in compassion, collaboration, and sustained public health action.
As the institution continues to broaden its reach, the Dayang Masalanta Awards remains a symbol of its mission to deliver what it calls “Kalingang may Husay at Puso”—care marked by excellence and compassion—for every Filipino community it serves.
Unity and advocacy
The gathering celebrates a shared advocacy centered on fighting tuberculosis and providing compassionate care to the underpriveldged and underserved.
According to Atty. Pilar Nenuca Almira, President and Chief Executive Officer , “The origin of the name “Calamba” derived from kalan (clay stove’ and banga (clay pot). The kalan is similar to” fire in the heart’’ required to fulfill their mission and advocacy .
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