On March 2, 2026, the Department of Health – Metro Manila Center for Health Development (DOH–MMCHD) officially launched KILATIS KUTIS 2026 at the Aguilar Sports Complex, Pilar Village, Las Piñas City, in observance of Leprosy Control Week pursuant to Proclamation No. 467. The campaign highlights the importance of early detection of leprosy and other common skin diseases such as eczema, fungal infections, and acne, reinforcing that timely diagnosis and treatment are key to prevention and cure.

The initiative received full support from the Department of the Interior and Local Government – National Capital Region (DILG–NCR), which reaffirmed its commitment to mobilizing local government units (LGUs) across Metro Manila to intensify awareness campaigns, strengthen community-based health programs, and ensure that accurate information reaches barangays and communities. Representing the DILG-NCR was DILG Las Piñas City Director Patrick John D. Megia, CESO V. 

The event was attended by Las Piñas City Mayor April Aguilar Nery, DOH–NCR Regional Director Dr. Lester M. Tan, Philippine Dermatological Society President Maria Jasmin J. Jamora, MD, FDPS, Culion Foundation Executive Director Eugene Caccam, Jr., Punong Barangay Ronillo Fuentes of Barangay Pilar, and hospital administrators from various DOH hospitals in the NCR.

In her welcome address, Mayor Aguilar Nery expressed the city’s steadfast support for leprosy control efforts by advancing awareness, ensuring early detection, and providing free medical services to constituents. DOH–NCR Regional Director Dr. Tan emphasized in his opening remarks that Leprosy Control Week is not only a fight against disease but also a fight against misinformation, fear, stigma, and discrimination. He underscored that while leprosy is curable, stigma remains the greater challenge, calling on health workers, LGU officials, and community leaders to serve as champions of truth and compassion.

Partner organizations, including the Philippine Dermatological Society and the Culion Foundation, likewise affirmed their shared vision of achieving Zero Leprosy in the NCR. Former patients from Tala Leprosarium delivered meaningful intermission performances, symbolizing hope, healing, and reintegration. A significant highlight of the activity was the Ceremonial Call to Action, where partners and stakeholders tapped the event backdrop as a symbolic pledge of unity and sustained collaboration toward eliminating leprosy in the region.

The program concluded with the provision of free health services for Las Piñeros, including skin examinations, chest X-ray screening, and health education on proper skincare—demonstrating a unified commitment to accessible, compassionate, and stigma-free healthcare for all.

DILG–NCR reiterates its commitment to assist LGUs in strengthening local health governance, supporting advocacy initiatives, and integrating anti-stigma campaigns into community engagement platforms. By aligning local policies and programs with national health priorities, DILG–NCR ensures that the campaign’s objectives are translated into concrete action at the grassroots level.