CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A total of 476 individuals from Salay in Misamis Oriental, and the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan received free health services from the Department of Health Center for Health Development – Northern Mindanao (DOH-CHDNM) during the World Tuberculosis Day 2025 on March 15.
With the theme “Para TB ay PrevenTED, Get TesTED, Para Pamilya ay ProtecTED,” the event promoted free government programs and medical assistance for TB prevention.
DOH-CHDNM Infectious Disease Cluster Head Dr. Wellaflor Kindom-Brito said the event was held simultaneously in Salay and Iligan City, offering free medical consultations, chest X-rays, and sputum testing for TB.
In Cagayan de Oro, the event took place in Barangay Macabalan, where 171 individuals received free chest X-ray screenings.
City Health Officer Dr. Rachel D. Dillan highlighted the importance of public participation in efforts to control TB spread, emphasizing the role of local residents in supporting both national and local government initiatives.
She encouraged attendees to seek medical help at the first signs of TB symptoms, such as cough and fever. “Dili gyud nato ni i-”lang” ang ubo, ma-usa man ka adlaw o usa ka semana nga ubo. Moadto gyud kita sa atong mga health center. I-examine sa doktor ang kulihad o mag X-Ray aron mahibal-an gyud kung unsa nga klase sa sakit ang anaa kanato,” Dillan said.
(We must not dismiss coughing, whether it has only been around for a day or has lasted for a week, as something unimportant. Let us visit our health center to be examined by our doctor through sputum testing or X-Ray to find out what our condition is.)
Meanwhile, DOH-CHDNM Local Health Support Division Chief Dr. Steffi Grace Enon also encouraged the public to follow the “TED” strategy—Tamang Kain (proper diet), Ehersisyo (exercise), and Disiplina sa Katawan (Self-discipline)—to prevent TB.
“Atong goal ma-prevent ang TB. Manigurado ta sa atong kaugalingon nga we keep ourselves healthy. Kung naay bation, libre ang pagpa-checkup, libre ang pagpa-test. Kung mag-positibo, naa tay tambal so dili angay ikaguol,” said Enon.
Leo Nangcas, a resident of Barangay Macabalan, expressed his gratitude for the free medical services provided during the event, as it allowed him to better understand his health condition.
“Niabot mo diri sa among barangay nga makatabang mo sa amo mga pobre, pareha sa ako nga PWD nga wala gyu’y ika-pa-checkup. Before ko na-stroke, sa wala pako na-ingani, smoker ko ug ga-inom, ug wala ko kabalo og naa bay deperensya sa akong baga. Mao nang pasalamat ko nga naa mo kay mas maayo nang ma-aware nako daan, mahibal-an nako nga sayo pa,” Nangcas said.
(You came to our barangay to help people like us who can’t afford regular check-ups, especially someone like me, a PWD who has no means to get checked. Before my stroke, I was a smoker and drank often, but I had no idea if my lungs had any issues. I’m thankful for these services because it’s better to be aware of my health early and address any problems before it’s too late.)
In addition to the health services, residents received educational materials about tuberculosis, its transmission, and prevention. (GDA/PIA-10)
