The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), together with Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas awardee Dr. Elvy Barroso and the Fight Against Tuberculosis Among Filipinos Foundation, Inc. (FATBFF), conducted a four-day medical mission in Ligao City, Albay to strengthen local tuberculosis prevention and detection efforts.
Held from June 2 to 5 at the Ligao City People’s Hall, the activity was carried out under the CFO’s Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Program, or LINKAPIL, which connects overseas Filipinos and organizations with communities in the Philippines through development and humanitarian initiatives.
The mission focused on training local health frontliners in the administration and interpretation of the Mantoux or Tuberculin Skin Test, a screening method used to detect tuberculosis infection.
The program also provided testing services to 100 pre-identified Ligao City residents.
Representing the CFO during the activity were Project Management Division Supervising Emigrant Services Officer Frencel Tingga and resident nurse Roland Dexter “Lucky” Mangibin.
The CFO said the initiative underscores the vital role of overseas Filipinos and diaspora organizations in supporting health programs that directly benefit local communities.
Established in 1989, LINKAPIL serves as a bridge between overseas Filipino donors and local beneficiaries, facilitating support for projects in health services, education, livelihood, skills transfer, and small-scale infrastructure.
Through the program, the CFO continues to mobilize diaspora support for medical missions, educational assistance, livelihood opportunities, and other initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of Filipinos across the country.