Program for early detection and TB cure is good politics, mayors say

MANILA, Philippines - To help the national government in combating the spread of tuberculosis (TB), the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) has implemented the program “TB Sugpuin: Sama Sama, Kayang Kaya” to improve the early detection and cure of TB in various municipalities.

Believing that good health is good politics, LMP approved a resolution that pushed for the implementation of TB control program in all municipalities, with the mayors taking the lead. 

Unlike other laws passed in Congress that are not realized due to lack of funding, LMP resolutions quickly show results of implementation of their various programs and projects, explains Li-ann De Leon, LMP executive director.

“When this program kicked off in March last year, campaigning for the national and local elections were starting to intensify,” says De Leon.  “For most organizations, this situation meant stalled program implementation, but we in LMP saw the election period as an opportunity to get better support from mayors,” she explains. 

When mayors make their presence felt on the ground in providing basic health services, people remember them, she adds.

“The program of the LMP and USAID-TBLINC formally ended last June, generating 19 chapter resolutions which cascaded in several provinces,” shares Mayor Roel Paras, LMP secretary general and spokesperson for the program. 

“Even though the program has ended, we are determined to continue localizing it and getting political commitments from mayors to sustain the comprehensive implementation of national TB programs and activities,” says Paras.

Meanwhile, Mayor Strike Revilla, LMP national president, says that the support of the mayors is very crucial in the successful implementation of any national health program. “LMP has 1,500 member municipalities and we will advance our priority agenda for development,” he stresses.