San Fernando, La Union —THE Department of Health – Ilocos Region has joined the countrywide drive to end tuberculosis (TB), urging every Filipino family to take an active role in prevention, testing, and treatment.
On August 29, 2025, the DOH-Ilocos Region in partnership witht the local government of Naguilian, La Union rolled out the Active Case Finding campaign with the rallying call: “TB ay Prevented, Get Tested para Pamilya ay Protected.”
The initiative brings vital TB services straight to communities—offering free screenings, mobile diagnostics, and stigma-free consultations to ensure no one is left behind.
“TB is preventable and curable. Ang pinakamahalaga ay ma-detect at magamot agad. By getting tested, you protect not just yourself but your entire family,” Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco emphasized.
Despite being curable, TB continues to rank among the Philippines’ top infectious diseases. Symptoms such as persistent cough (more than two weeks), weight loss, fever, or night sweats should prompt immediate consultation at the nearest health center for timely diagnosis and free treatment.
During the Naguilian drive, residents availed themselves of free chest X-rays, sputum testing, treatment enrollment, and educational sessions on TB prevention. More than 200 patients received direct medical support on the day of the campaign.
DOH Ilocos is calling on local government units, barangay health workers, schools, and community leaders to amplify TB awareness and encourage more people to get screened.
“Walang dapat ikahiya. TB is curable, and treatment is available for everyone. Together, we can stop TB—together, we protect our families,” Sydiongco affirmed.
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