The Davao City Health Office, in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Society of Pulmonologists of Davao City, observed World Tuberculosis (TB) Day with a free screening activity for at least 4,000 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) at the Davao City Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Female Dormitory on March 24, 2026.
The activity was part of the simultaneous Active Case Finding (ACF) program, designed to expand TB detection in high-risk settings such as correctional facilities, where overcrowding and limited ventilation can accelerate the spread of the disease.
The PDLs underwent risk assessments, chest X-rays and sputum testing to ensure early identification and treatment of possible TB cases.
Dr. Tomas Miguel S. Ababon, Officer-in-Charge of the City Health Office, told the City Information Office that early detection and treatment remain the most effective strategy to stop TB transmission within communities and emphasized that TB medicines remain free and accessible in all health centers.
“Sa mga Dabawenyos, ang sakit nga TB, dili dapat ikaulaw. Dapat ang sakit nga TB butangan nato og nawong. Kung naa tay sakit nga TB, dili dapat ta maulaw nga muadto sa health centers or kung naa tay mga simtomas, ubo nga duha ka semana kapin nga giubanan og plema, kalintura unya pag paningot, pag pamayat. Kung naay sintomas ani, adto dayon sa pinaka doul na health center (Dabawenyos, TB should not be a source of shame. We should put a face to the disease. If we have TB, we should not be ashamed to go to health centers or if we have symptoms like a cough lasting more than two weeks accompanied by phlegm, fever, sweating, and weight loss. If there are symptoms, go immediately to your nearest health center),” he said.
Ababon added that in 2025, Davao City recorded 5,845 TB cases across all forms, with a treatment success rate of 88 percent with 5,143 patients cured or having completed treatment.
Victor Tudtud, a TB survivor and founding president of TBai Dabaw, also shared his testimony that TB should not be a source of shame, as early consultation and treatment save lives and survivors like him have proven that recovery is possible.
“Isip usa ka TB survivor, kami ang pamatoud nga pag ang tao magkasakit og TB, yes it can be fatal, pwede siya mamatay, pero dapat masabtan sa tanan nga ang sakit na TB aduna kiniy tambal og pwede mamaayo. Isa pa ka good news, libre ang atoang tambal, so I-avail nato ni nga serbisyo. Ikaduha dili dapat ka maulaw og mahadlok kay it is curable og naay kinabuhi kung magkasakit kita sa sakit na tuberculosis (As a TB survivor, we are the proof that when a person gets sick with TB, yes it can be fatal, they can die, but everyone should understand that TB is curable. The good news, our medicine is free, so let’s avail of this service. Secondly, you should not be ashamed or afraid because it is curable and there is life after we get sick with tuberculosis),” he added.
Davao City also illuminated the City Hall in red on March 24 as a symbol of commitment to fight TB and support those affected. CIO
Written by: K. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal
Photo by: J. Faelnar