ANTIQUE — The provincial government of Antique reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating tuberculosis (TB) as a public health threat by 2030, joining the nationwide “Light Up PH for TB” campaign on March 24.
As part of the observance of World TB Day 2026, the New Capitol Building was illuminated in red on Tuesday evening, in solidarity with other public buildings and medical institutions across the country to raise awareness about the disease, promote testing, and help end stigma.
Gov. Paolo Javier emphasized the importance of prevention and early action during a program held at EBJ Freedom Park.
“The best cure is prevention. That’s the number one. Let us prioritize health,” the governor said.
Health officials highlighted that tuberculosis remains a serious but preventable and curable disease. According to the World Health Organization, common symptoms include prolonged cough and fever, while more severe cases may involve coughing up blood, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, and night sweats.
This year, the Philippines adopted the theme: “YES! PILIPINAS CAN #ENDTB: Magpasuri, Magpagamot, at Mag-TPTodo para Protektado,” underscoring the importance of early detection, proper treatment, and preventive measures.
Dr. Melendie H. Fabila-Sanchez, officer-in-charge of the Office of the Provincial Health Officer (OPHO), stressed the need for early diagnosis and strict compliance with treatment, while also encouraging the use of Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment (TPT).
The event also featured a powerful testimony from TB survivor Leo Rey Tejares, who shared his journey from patient to advocate.
Diagnosed with multi-drug-resistant TB in 2013, Tejares underwent 18 months of treatment and endured severe side effects, including nausea, body pain, and sleep disorders. However, he said the greater challenge was overcoming stigma and discrimination.
“Not only adverse drug reactions, the biggest challenge of having tuberculosis is how to overcome stigma and discrimination,” Tejares said.
He later turned his experience into advocacy work, helping organize the ChillLungs TB Support Community, Inc., a group composed of TB patients and partners that promotes awareness, patient empowerment, and people-centered programs. The organization has since received regional and national recognition for its contributions to the country’s TB program.
Tejares also serves as national president of the Philippine Alliance to Stop TB (PASTB).
Provincial officials said the campaign highlights Antique’s continued efforts to strengthen public health awareness and encourage community participation in the fight against tuberculosis./PN
