IN a vibrant celebration of excellence and commitment to public health, the Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region recognized 24 outstanding awardees from various health facilities and local government units (LGUs) during the “Race to End TB Regional Awards” held on March 27, 2026.
The event highlighted the remarkable achievements of partners who played a crucial role in the successful implementation of the Tuberculosis (TB) Prevention and Control Program for 2025, reinforcing the region’s unified drive toward eliminating TB as a public health threat.
Awardees were recognized across several key performance categories that reflect the strength and reach of TB programs in the region, including:
· Population Screening Rate (11% of the total population)
· Population Testing Rate (2% of the total population)
· TB Case Notification/Detection Rate (90%)
· TB Case Notification/Detection Rate (70%)
· Treatment Success Rate (85%)
· Best iDOTS Coordinating Center Implementer (ICC) 2025 (ICC) 2025
These indicators underscore the region’s intensified efforts to detect, treat, and successfully manage TB cases, ensuring that no patient is left behind.
Regional Director Dr. Sydiongco commended the awardees for their unwavering dedication and emphasized the importance of collective action in the fight against TB.
“This recognition is not just about numbers, it is about lives saved, families protected, and communities made stronger. Our awardees have demonstrated that with commitment, innovation, and teamwork, we can move closer to ending TB in the Ilocos Region,” she stated.
She further underscored the critical role of local implementers and health workers in sustaining the program’s gains and said that behind every achievement are the human resources for health who work tirelessly on the ground. “This award is a testament to their dedication and a reminder that our success depends on empowering and supporting them.”
As part of the recognition, cash incentives ranging from Php7,000 to Php25,000 were awarded to the top-performing LGUs and health facilities.
“We call on our LGUs to ensure that the cash awards are fully utilized within the validity of the allotment and immediately distributed to the human resources for health who made these accomplishments possible. They deserve to be recognized and rewarded,” Dr. Sydiongco emphasized.
The “Race to End TB” initiative continues to serve as a catalyst for innovation, accountability, and excellence in public health service delivery. By celebrating milestones and recognizing champions, DOH Ilocos strengthens its commitment to achieving a TB-free region.
As the program moves forward, DOH Ilocos calls on all stakeholders including government agencies, healthcare workers, and communities, to sustain momentum and remain steadfast in the shared mission: to end TB once and for all.
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