The Philippine Coalition Against Tuberculosis (PhilCAT) spearheaded the commemoration of the 2005 World TB Day together with the Department of Health (DOH) last 13 March, Sunday at the Makati City Hall Quadrangle.

This event started with a 3-kilometer Fun Run along the stretch of Ayala Triangle leading to the Makati City Hall.  Fr. Robert Reyes led hundreds of participants and partners from various organizations to make a bold statement through slogan chants in fighting TB in the country.  A holy mass was conducted soon after they arrived from the run.

Respected government officials and partners were invited.  Mayor Jejomar Binay of Makati City Local Government; Dr. Jennifer Ann Wi , PhilCAT Chairperson; Dr. Lee Reichman of New Jersey Medical School; Gov. Antonio Quila of Rotary International District 3830 and Dr. Jean Marc Olivé, World Health Organization Representative to the Philippines were among those who emphasized the undertakings of the country’s National TB Program.  Testimonies of cured TB patients from Makati proved the effectiveness of DOTS.

Sec. Manuel Dayrit of the Department of Health was the guest of honor for the said national health event.  He shared the visions in making the Philippines a TB-free nation and also inspired all the partners and participants to continue the fight against TB through DOTS.

Dr. Ma. Consuelo Obillo of the Philippine College of Chest Physicians chaired the said event with the Rotary International as the Co-chair.

“TB Network: Sama-samang Sugpuin ang TB” is this year’s local theme with “Find TB, Cure TB through DOTS; Cure Begins with Detection” as the regional theme for the World TB Day 2005.  These themes depict the collective effort of various stakeholders form the private sectors in finding and curing TB through DOTS.  The value of the healthcare providers was also recognized as the instruments in the delivery of quality service.

World TB day is traditionally celebrated every March 24 to commemorate the discovery of the TB bacteria by Robert Koch.