by Sheila Covarrubias

Advocates of the anti-tuberculosis program in the city were feted in a ceremony dubbed “a night with the TB champions” Sunday with Mayor Celso Lobregat and City Health Officer Rodel Agbulos spearheading the awarding rites.

The fellowship followed the successful conduct of the Anti-TB walk, run and bike race participated by almost 10,000 people representing the multi-sectoral groups in the city earlier Sunday.

The Zamboanga Hermosa TB Council and the 6 Rotary Clubs of Zamboanga organized the anti-TB walk, run and bike race, the second since last year, as part of their continuing strategies to eliminate tuberculosis in Zamboanga.

Dr. Rodel Agbulos, vice chairman of the Zamboanga Hermosa TB Council said the fellowship was to meant to recognize and pay tribute to people and agencies that have partnered and supported the city government in its efforts to help curb TB.

TB, he said, is a curable and preventable disease but fatal if left undetected and untreated.
Mayor Lobregat, Zamboanga Hermosa TB Council chair thanked all the supporters and partners in the fight against TB saying that their united vision and support have helped the city achieve citations and awards.

“On various occasions, our city had been cited for its successful anti-tuberculosis campaign that I feel it is time that we honor those who have contributed in whatever capacity to the fight to free Zamboanga from the clutches of tuberculosis”, the mayor said adding:  “Tonight, we give recognition to those who have given themselves – their time and talents - to this cause”.

Fifteen individuals were given plaques of appreciation and these were Councilor Lilia Nuno, Dr. Teodoro Yu, Jr., Dr. Pascualio Concepcion, Dr. Dionisio Apolinario, Dr. Edwina Cabato, Dr. Aristides Tan, Mr. Ferdinand Torres, Ms. Cristy Mariano, Supt. Ester Pepito, Supt. Carlos Estipona, Col. Jocelyn Turla, Ms. Amelia Pescadero, DR. Andrei Villanueva and Elizabeth Delgado.

Partner agencies and organizations that continue to help and support the city in its anti-TB efforts also were given plaques of appreciation and these included the Linking Initiatives and Networking to Control TB (TB-LINC), World Vision-Social Mobilization on TB (SMT), Philippine Coalition Against Tuberculosis (Philcat), Zamboanga Coalition Against Tuberculosis (ZAMCAT), Center for Health Development Zamboanga Peninsula, Rotary Clubs of Zamboanga, TB champions from the Talon-talon District, Sangali District, Mercedes District, Campo Islam PPMD unit, TB Task Force Zamboanga and AGAPE Human Development Foundation Inc.

Certificates of appreciation were also presented to members of the Zamboanga Hermosa TB Council, the group, a multi-sectoral group that oversees the citywide efforts to combat tuberculosis through prevention, early detection, treatment and cure, in support of the millennium development goal of halting and reversing the incidence, prevalence and death rates associated with this deadly lung-disease.

The members include DR. John Hernani Anacan, Pastor Berlie Yap, Dr. Daniel Mark Yumol, Dr. Abubakar Baddiri, Dr. Myrna Angeles, Sheila Covarrubias, Angelo W.S Del Castillo, Raul Ruben Rivera Jr., Sixto Kwan Jr., Dr. Orlando Paber, Andrea Natividad, Dr. Lenny Joy Rivera, Joselito Cua, Candelario Garcia Jr., Dr. Romeo Fernandez, Prof. Miriam Kanti, Arlo Ramos, Edwin To, Chippy Gutierrez, Roland Liliethal Bucoy and Dr. Carol Carabana.

“The city is truly indebted to you for all your efforts and the dedication you have shown”, the mayor said as he awarded the plaques and certificates of appreciation to the TB champions.

Imelda Ochavilla, World Vision Program Manager on Social Mobilization on Tuberculosis Project, in her response vowed to continue support and partnership with the city government through the Zamboanga Hermosa TB Council and other agencies in a bid to stump out TB.

The affair, held at the Rigodon of patio Palmeras was also attended by Councilors Lilia Nuno, Eddie Saavedra, Joefel de las Penas, Jimmy CAbato, Rey Candido, Rudy Lima and Percival Ramos. (Sheila Covarrubias)