More than a hundred residents of Barangay Laya West and neighboring barangays availed of free tuberculosis (TB) screening and consultations at the Laya West open gymnasium on March 20, 2025.
The TB caravan was spearheaded by the Rural Health Unit (RHU)-1 under the City Health Services Office (CHSO) and sponsored by the Rotary Club of Guiguinto Premier Foundation, Inc. (RCGPF) and the Department of Health – Centers for Health Development-Cordillera (DOH-CHD-CAR), in partnership with the Philippine Business for Social Progress, Inc. (PBSP).
According to Dr. Diana Dalsen, the initiative aligns with the observance of World Lung Month this March.
She emphasized that the City Local Government Unit of Tabuk (CLGU) aims to bring essential healthcare services closer to residents, ensuring that those affected by TB receive the proper treatment they need.
Dr. Dalsen also highlighted the alarming TB statistics in the country. The Philippines ranks fourth worldwide in TB cases, with RHU-1 barangays reporting the highest number of cases in Tabuk City.
Among these, Laya West has recorded the most TB patients.
She encouraged individuals experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention without fear of stigma saying that TB is not just treatable but is completely free in RHUs.
She added that getting checked and treated not only saves oneself but also protects families and communities.
RHU-1 records indicate a rise in TB cases over recent years, with 73 recorded in 2021, 80 in 2022, 108 in 2023, and 110 in 2024.
The TB caravan is part of the government’s “PuroKalusugan” program, which prioritizes active case finding to reduce the disease’s mortality rate, currently estimated at 34%, with the goal of bringing it down to 0%.
To further encourage participation, the first 100 attendees received free chest x-rays and consultations, along with a bag of rice from PBSP.
The next 100 participants also received a bag of rice, courtesy of RHU-1.
The event underscored the importance of proactive healthcare initiatives in addressing public health concerns and ensuring community well-being. By Edward Joseph Gacuya
