A brighter, TB-free future is the goal as the Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region officially joins the nationwide “Light Up PH for TB” Movement, a high-impact campaign calling on every Ilokano to take action against one of the country’s deadliest yet curable diseases.
With thousands of tuberculosis (TB) cases still recorded annually, health officials are sounding the alarm: early detection and complete treatment can save lives—and stop transmission.
Across the Ilocos Region, according to 2025 TB prevalence data, the disease continues to affect thousands of families in various provinces, including Pangasinan with 14,525 cases, La Union – 4,103 cases, Ilocos Sur – 3,139 cases and Ilocos Norte – 1,738 cases.
Yet amid these numbers is a powerful sign of hope—Region I maintains over 90% treatment success rate, with Ilocos Sur reaching an exceptional 97.23%, proving that TB can be defeated with the right interventions.
Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco delivered a strong call to action during the lighting event held at the Pangasinan Provincial Capitol on March 24, 2025 on which she states that Tuberculosis is preventable and curable—but only if everyone acts early and acts together.
“Through the Light Up PH for TB Movement, we are empowering every Ilokano to get screened, complete treatment, and help break the chain of transmission. Walang dapat maiwan—lahat may access sa libreng serbisyo laban sa TB.”
She emphasized that fighting TB is no longer just a health sector responsibility—but a community-wide movement.
DOH Ilocos Region, together with LGUs and partners, is rolling out aggressive, people-centered interventions including bringing screening closer to the people, mobile x-ray units and community screenings are reaching far-flung and high-risk areas—ensuring TB is detected early, even before symptoms worsen.
Sydiongco also emphasized that state-of-the-art diagnostic tools are now available, allowing patients to receive accurate results in record time.
She also acknowledged local governments in stepping up—funding TB programs, leading awareness drives, and ensuring services reach every barangay.
Under the Light Up PH for TB Movement, the DOH is pushing for a 17% of the population to be screened, 4% diagnosed and treated promptly, and sustained high treatment success rates across all provinces.
“Ending TB starts with each of us,” Sydiongco stressed. “Kapag sama-sama tayo, kaya nating puksain ang TB at magbigay ng mas maliwanag na kinabukasan para sa bawat Ilokano.”
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