LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – “Let us end tuberculosis altogether.” This was the statement of Dr. Cielo Almoite, Provincial Health Officer I in her speech during the National Lung Month celebration.
The Provincial Government thru the Provincial Health Office extended free medical services to the people at the Labrador Gymnasium on August 25 in celebration of the National Lung Month with the theme, “Sama-samang Tuldukan ang TB sa Pangasinan.”
“This program aims to inform the people that tuberculosis or commonly known as TB is curable,” Municipal Health Officer Dr. Antonette L. Rico said.
Furthermore, Dr. Jennifer Ann Mendoza Wi, pulmonologist at Dagupan Doctors Villaflor Memorial Hospital reiterated that TB is subject to cure if proper medication is observed by the diagnosed patient. She also urged the participants not to be reluctant to visit healthcare centers if they experiencing symptoms of TB such as coughing that lasts three or more weeks, coughing up blood, chest pain or pain with breathing or coughing, unintentional weight loss, fever, night sweats and chills.
Additionally, Estrella Paras of Department of Health Regional Office reminded the public to be alert not only every National Lung Month but all of the time to stop the transmission of this airborne disease.
Numerous medical services were provided free-of-charge to the public, such as sputum examination that detects and identifies the fungi and bacteria that infect the lungs and breathing passages, chest X-ray examination for the smear-negative patients and skin disease consultation in partnership with Department of Health Regional Office, Municipal Health Office and other private stakeholders that support the prevention of diseases like TB.
Over 200 people from different barangays of Labrador participated in the program. Municipal Mayor Hon. Dominador V. Arenas also graced the event where he thanked Governor Amado I. Espino, III for bringing essential programs like free medical check up to the community.
On the other hand, selected high school students from Labrador National High School, Ramon Magsaysay Integrated School and St. Columban’s School, Inc participated in the quiz bee and poster/slogan making contest.
Winners of the quiz bee competition are: Gianna Marionne Christina C. Viernes (Brgy. San Gonzalo) – third place; Jhanitte Dela Cruz (Brgy. San Jose) – second place; and Cyrus D. Castillo (Brgy. Dulig) – first place. On the contrary, winners of the poster/slogan contest are: Pauleen Kate Luzadas (St. Columban’s School) – third place; Francis Kim R. Penuliar (Ramon Magsaysay Integrated High School) – second place; and Russel U. Quijana (Labrador National High School) – first place.
By Dexter A. See