 |
| "Run For Healthy Lungs" participants in Zumba mode before the start of the fun run (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/DOH CALABARZON) |
In the early hours of August 30, 2024, the FPJ (Fernando Poe Jr.) Arena in San Jose, Batangas became a hub of energy and community spirit as hundreds gathered for the “Run For Healthy Lungs” Fun Run. The event, a highlight of the Biyaheng Kalusugan: National TB Day and National Lung Month initiative, served as a potent reminder of the importance of lung health and the ongoing fight against tuberculosis in the Philippines. The FPJ Arena was filled with excitement as 300 registered runners began arriving as early as 4:30 am. The drumbeaters’ infectious rhythms added to the energy of the event, fostering a strong sense of unity and purpose. Three Zumba dancers led a dynamic dance to ensure everyone was fully warmed up and ready for the run ahead.
The 10-km race was the first to start, signaled by a countdown led by Hon. Assistant Secretary (Asec.) Ariel Valencia from the Department of Health (DOH). As the runners surged forward, the excitement in the air was unmistakable. Shortly after, the 5 km participants gathered at the starting arch, where DOH CALABARZON Assistant Regional Director Dr. Leda Hernandez led them in their countdown before they embarked on their race. The finish line was positioned under the exact arch where the journey began, symbolizing the full circle of health and fitness. Next to the Run For Healthy Lungs arch were several booths offering a variety of health-related services, information, and fun games for the runners. These included free chest X-rays, snacks and beverages, traditional and Chinese alternative medicine, free condoms and lube, and the crowd-favorite Human Fruit Machine. These booths provided a valuable opportunity for runners to explore, learn, and interact while waiting for the post-run program to begin.
The event was attended by several VIPs including key officials from the health department, local government units (LGUs), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Among the speakers were San Jose, Batangas Municipal Mayor Hon. Valentino Patron and Batangas Governor Hon. Hermilando Mandanas both emphasizing the crucial importance of lung health and overall well-being, empowering the audience with valuable insights. Other esteemed guests who took the stage to share messages of support and contribute valuable insights about the cause included Asec. Valencia, Dr. Dominic Maddumba, Dr. Elizabeth Sario, and Dr. Rufo Luna. Dr. Clarissa Halum of World Health Organization (WHO) Philippines delivered a special message via a video presentation. After a raffle draw, the following top finishers of the 10 km and 5 km races were recognized and received plaques and SM gift certificates as tokens of appreciation
5KM Race Winners:
• Gold: Raul Hernandez, with a time of 23:41
• Silver: Josh Khian Brucal, with a time of 24:01
• Bronze: Henry Mendoza, with a time of 26:17
10KM Race Winners:
• Gold: Willie Joan Macalintal, with a time of 45:00
• Silver: John Kenneth Castro, with a time of 45:10
• Bronze: Jerwin Dimaculangan, with a time of 45:33
The Run For Healthy Lungs winners were awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals to celebrate their remarkable performances at the event. One of the event’s highlights was a beautiful video presentation that captured the day’s most memorable moments, from the energetic warm-up to the final sprint across the finish line. The video showcased the dedication and enthusiasm of everyone involved, demonstrating the spirit of the community coming together for an important cause. The event concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Hernandez praising the participants and the organizers for their commitment to health and active participation in the event’s success. As the event ended, attendees enjoyed a well-deserved lunch, reflecting on a morning well spent in health and community service.
According to the 2021 Field Health Services Information System (FHSIS), the top ten causes of morbidity in the Philippines in 2021 were acute respiratory infection, pneumonia, acute lower respiratory infection, and all forms of TB, ranking 1st, 6th, 7th, and 8th, respectively. PhilHealth claims that the most prevalent medical cases are moderately and high risk pneumonia, COVID-19, and asthma in acute exacerbation, ranking 1st, 4th, and 10th, respectively. The Global TB Report 2022 identifies the Philippines as one of the three countries with a high burden of tuberculosis. The country witnessed a decline in TB case notifications due to COVID-19 with a partial recovery in 2021. Significantly, the Philippines is listed among the high-burden countries for TB, HIV-associated TB, and MDR/DRTB by the WHO for the period 2021-2025. This underscores the crucial timing of the Biyaheng Kalusugan: National TB Day event which aims to raise awareness and combat the spread of this disease.
With this, the Department of Health – Health Promotion Bureau (DOH HPB), Center for Health Development CaLaBaRZon (CHD 4A) Infectious Disease Cluster, and the Health Education and Promotion – Communications Management Unit (HEP-CMU) solidifies its partnership with the Local Government Units (LGU), government agencies, development partners, and other stakeholders to strengthen the journey towards health and well-being by raising awareness about tuberculosis, its symptoms, and the importance of early detection of the disease. The conduct of Biyaheng Kalusugan: National TB Day and National Lung Month will encourage participants to engage in physical activity for the benefit of their respiratory and overall well-being.
CAMPAIGN OBJECTIVES
The Biyaheng Kalusugan: National TB Day aims to emphasize the celebration of National Lung Month and increase awareness about lung health among Filipinos. Specifically, the biyaheng kalusugan aims to:
• Increase public awareness about tuberculosis (TB), its causes, symptoms, and preventive measures.
• Encourage individuals to recognize the signs of TB and seek early diagnosis and treatment.
• Combat the social stigma associated with TB by promoting understanding and empathy towards those affected by the disease.
• Educate the public about strategies to prevent the spread of TB such as proper hygiene practices and infection control measures.
• Provide support and resources for TB patients including access to quality healthcare services and treatment options.
BEHAVIORAL OBJECTIVES
• Promote 7 healthy habits, especially PA 1: Move More, Eat Right; PA 2: Be Clean, Live Sustainably; and PA 4: Don’t Smoke, Don’t Drink Alcohol, Say No to Drugs.
• Increase public knowledge of the disease’s risk factors, signs, and symptoms and how to prevent and avoid spreading it.
• Seek immediate health consultation and testing with their Primary Care Providers and promptly begin treatment.
• Follow through and complete their treatment promptly with the help of their family and friends.
