Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday lauded the strong partnership between the Philippines and the United States (US) in addressing global health emergencies and crises, with special focus on eradicating tuberculosis by 2030 as envisioned by the sustainable development goals of the United Nations (UN).
Speaking at the launch of the National Lung Month celebration at the House of Representatives, Romualdez underscored the importance of unity in achieving goals, especially when it involves safeguarding the health of all the people against pandemics and epidemics.
“Few people would disagree when I say that two of the most important lessons we learned from the recent pandemic are: first, diseases do not recognize territorial boundaries; and second, the most effective way to deal with global health emergencies is by working together—each and every one of us, doing our share to make the world a healthier place to live in,” Romualdez said. The event was spearheaded by USAID’s TB Platforms together with Advanced Abilities and the Quezon City government.
“In this regard, may I take this opportunity to convey on behalf of all Filipinos our profound gratitude to the United States, particularly the USAID, for being a steadfast partner of the Philippine government in eliminating tuberculosis—one of the top ten leading causes of death in the country,” Romualdez said.
He gave assurance that Congress supports Philippine-American partnership against tuberculosis, citing important legislative measures now being discussed in the Lower House on the subject.
“In 2016, we passed Republic Act No. 10767, or the Comprehensive Tuberculosis Elimination Plan Act. Since the 19th Congress opened, at least two bills have been filed seeking to strengthen RA 10767. This is in response to the WHO study that the Philippines is among the eight countries where two-thirds of total TB cases in the world are found,” the House leader said.
“As a long-term strategy against tuberculosis and other communicable diseases, I, together with Representatives Yedda Romualdez and Jude Acidre of Tingog Party, filed House Bill No. 9, providing for the modernization of the public health emergency preparedness and response capabilities, establishing the Philippines’ own Center for Disease Control,” Romualdez said.
“This bill and the 23 more bills on the subject underscore the fact that public health remains foremost in the minds of your Representatives in the 19th Congress,” he added.
The Speaker said that according to the World Health Organization, TB incidence is declining at about two percent per year, with an estimated 66 million lives saved from 2000 to 2020 through early TB diagnosis and treatment.
But even with these positive developments, he added, funding for the detection and treatment of TB in low- and middle-income countries fell short of what is actually needed.
“Through all these, we at the House of Representatives, remain hopeful that all of us—from agencies in the Executive branch, Congress, local government units, bilateral partners like the USAID, people’s organizations, and the private sector—working together and not against each other, can overcome all these challenges,” Romualdez stressed.
“This synergy, exemplified in today’s activity, is the key to our shared success. Let us continue to extend our hands in peace not only to those in need but especially to those with whom we have been working together for decades for the best interest of our people,” he said.
Present during the launch were DOH acting Secretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, USAID director Rebekah Eibanks, USAID TB Platform chief Dr. Marianne Calnan, president and CEO of Advance Abilities Angelo Bautista, DOH Metro Manila Center for Health Development regional director Dr. Gloria Balboa,; as well as representatives of the Quezon City government, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.