MONCADA, Tarlac: The United States Agency for International Development (USAid) has cited the important role of local government units through their chief executives in ending tuberculosis (TB) in the country. Dr. David Lozada Jr., USAid's TB Platforms Sustainable Finance specialist, said local chief executives have an important role to play and thanked them for making TB eradication a priority on their list of health priorities. 'They are the ones who approve the annual budget for health programs. Through USAid's TB Platforms 'Usapang Dibdiban' sessions, we make a case for TB in front of the mayors and governors,' he added. 'With supported data on TB situation, milestones and challenges, the local chief executives will be able to understand the urgency of allocating funds for the procurement of TB drugs and hiring of additional health care workers especially now that Covid-19 and TB response need integration,' Lozada said. Moncada Mayor Estelita Aquino has signaled full commitment to ending TB in her locality, a pledge she made during the Usapang Dibdiban organized by USAid's TB Platforms in the area. 'It is important for us to identify those with TB in Moncada so our Rural Health Units can focus on providing them with free medicines,' Aquino said. USAid's TB Platforms health governance specialist Lilian de Leon, Health Systems Strengthening-Sustainable Financing coordinator for Region 3 Mark Darren Cacanindin and provincial project coordinator for Tarlac and Pampanga Maryvie Lopez joined the activity. The city and municipal governments of Tarlac have allotted about P23.67 million for TB response for 2021.