January 16, 2026 – In its effort to consistently link the contributions of Presidential Awardees for national development, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) participated in the virtual meeting between Dr. Elvy G. Barroso, 2024 Presidential Awardee and President of the Fight Against Tuberculosis Among Filipinos Foundation, Inc. (FATBFF), and representatives of the Department of Health (DOH) – National Tuberculosis Program (NTP).
During the meeting, the discussions focused on the ongoing tuberculosis (TB) initiatives of FATBFF and the current status of the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Health (DOH).
Dr. Barroso presented the results of the first tuberculosis (TB) initiative in Ligao City, Albay, which focused on screening and treating household contacts. The meeting also covered the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) training scheduled for DOH-NTP coordinators in Albay from June 2 to June 5, 2026. Additionally, there is an upcoming identical TB testing initiative planned in Bacolod from June 8 to June 13, 2026.
The discussion covered the MOU drafted by the CFO, which has been approved by the DOH and is awaiting formal signing by Secretary Ted Herbosa and FATBFF. Mr. Michael Apattad from CFO-PPRD proposed revising the DOH responsibilities to expand coordination beyond Region V. Participants agreed on this revision, and the updated MOU will be sent to DOH Legal Service for review.
Participants discussed collaboration among CFO, DOH, and local government units for effective rollout and monitoring of FATBFF’s TB initiatives. Mr. Frencel Tingga from CFO-PMD expressed support for the Bacolod project, pledging assistance in reviewing the proposal and coordinating with local stakeholders.
This meeting forms part of CFO’s ongoing diaspora engagement efforts to facilitate partnerships between overseas Filipinos and Philippine government agencies in advancing public health programs and sustainable community development.
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