BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The campaign against the deadly disease Tuberculosis is now being intensified, after 1,241 cases were recorded in 2025 and 231 cases were recorded in the first quarter of this year.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong earlier issued a Memorandum encouraging public schools, hospitals, and private establishments to light up their buildings with red lights, symbolizing unity and commitment in the fight against tuberculosis while raising public awareness about the disease.
According to the World Health Organization, TB is “the deadliest infectious disease known to man”, and the Philippines is in the top three countries with the highest number of tuberculosis cases with approximately 98 Filipinos dying of TB every day.
According to Dr. Donnabel Panes of the City Health Services Office, TB is an airborne respiratory illness that is primarily spread when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
However, she clarified that TB is not transmitted through sharing utensils, towels, using the same comfort room, or through physical contact, common misconceptions that need to be corrected.
She said that in efforts to strengthen early detection and prevention, the CHSO is conducting a free chest X-ray program, donated by the Philippine Business for Social Progress.
Panes reminded the public that TB can affect anyone and that health authorities are working with jeepney, e-jeep, and taxi drivers to promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage early detection of tuberculosis.
“We are not all at the same risk. The risk is higher for these groups: children, the elderly, diabetics, health workers, those taking steroids and chemotherapy, smokers and vapers,” he also stressed the need to keep our immune system strong, saying that tuberculosis is closely related to how well our body can defend itself against infection.
Meanwhile, more than 100 drivers received free chest X-ray services, PhilHealth YAKAP registration, and meals in commemoration of World Tuberculosis Day recently, as part of the city’s efforts to prevent the spread of tuberculosis (TB).
Panes said, the X-ray caravans help prevent the rise of tuberculosis especially among vulnerable populations like drivers who interact with many passengers every day and advised the public to get tested especially if they are listed in the high risk group.
The CHSO also assured that there is no need to worry about the costs, as the office has initiatives in providing free TB testing and treatment.
