TBpeople Philippines recently convened with Otsuka (Philippines) Pharmaceutical, Inc. at their Makati City headquarters on April 15, 2024. Present at the meeting were Ms. Louie Zepeda-Teng, Founder and President of TBpeople Philippines, alongside distinguished representatives including Mr. Marcus Teng – Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Niño Magpusao – Vice President and Communications Head, Mr. Eddie Patac, Admin and Partnership Officer, Mr. Allen Joshua Tortosa, Research and Development Specialist, and Mr. Alvin Ferry, IT Head. They were warmly received by Ms. Soohye Hisayo Han Nishihara, President of Otsuka Philippines, Ms. Nina Ricci Baltazar, Group Product and Multimedia Manager, Mr. Jerome Giovanni Lim, Product Manager, and Ms. Betsy Grozman, HR Manager.
Established in 1997, Otsuka Philippines has been at the forefront of introducing revolutionary products such as Pocari Sweats, Pletaal, and Abilify to the Philippine market. Drawing inspiration from its parent company’s global dedication to preserving lives, Otsuka actively engages with healthcare professionals and organizations to prioritize patient well-being through comprehensive education programs. Rooted in its commitment to corporate social responsibility, Otsuka Cares actively contributes to enhancing the quality of life for Filipinos. As it commemorates two decades of service, Otsuka Philippines remains steadfast in its positive contributions to the healthcare sector.
During the meeting, TBpeople Philippines took the opportunity to share a comprehensive presentation, shedding light on its mission, vision, and significant contributions in the fight against tuberculosis (TB) in the Philippines. The presentation served as a platform to introduce TBpeople Philippines to the audience, providing insights into the organization’s background, objectives, and ongoing initiatives aimed at TB prevention and control. Additionally, Ms. Betsy Grozman, representing Otsuka Philippines Pharmaceutical, Inc., delivered a compelling presentation, offering valuable insights into the company’s commitment to addressing healthcare challenges, including TB. Her presentation not only showcased Otsuka Philippines Pharmaceutical, Inc.’s dedication to innovation and excellence in healthcare but also highlighted potential synergies and collaborative opportunities with TBpeople Philippines in the collective effort to combat TB in the country.
The meeting between TBpeople Philippines and Otsuka Philippines symbolized the inception of a transformative partnership forged with a clear objective: to lead the Philippines toward a tuberculosis-free future. This alliance signifies a commitment to leveraging collective strengths and resources in tackling one of the nation’s most pressing health challenges.
Central to this partnership is the concerted effort to initiate active case-finding initiatives within educational institutions and workplaces. By proactively identifying cases of tuberculosis in these settings, the partners aim to intervene early, prevent transmission, and facilitate timely access to treatment and care. This approach not only aids in reducing the burden of tuberculosis but also contributes to safeguarding the health and well-being of vulnerable populations.
Furthermore, the collaboration between TBpeople Philippines and Otsuka Philippines is characterized by a dedication to innovation in disseminating tuberculosis education and knowledge. Recognizing the evolving landscape of healthcare communication, the partners are committed to pioneering novel and impactful methods to reach diverse audiences effectively. Whether through digital platforms, community outreach programs, or targeted campaigns, the goal is to empower individuals with accurate information, dispel myths, and promote proactive engagement in tuberculosis prevention and management.
In tandem with these efforts, the partnership seeks to modernize and amplify existing initiatives aimed at eradicating tuberculosis. By harnessing the latest advancements in technology, data analytics, and healthcare delivery systems, TBpeople Philippines and Otsuka Philippines aim to enhance the efficiency, reach, and impact of their interventions. Through strategic collaboration and innovation, they aspire to set a precedent for effective and sustainable public health initiatives, inspiring similar collaborative endeavors across the healthcare landscape.
In essence, this partnership represents a beacon of hope in the fight against tuberculosis, embodying the collective will and determination to overcome barriers, effect positive change, and ultimately, create a healthier and tuberculosis-free Philippines for generations to come.