Author: Selena Alzate

Approximately 65% of breast cancer instances in the Philippines are identified in the advanced or late stages due to insufficient treatment and delayed detection. Among Filipinos, the five-year relative survival rate for breast cancer is a mere 44.4%. The Philippine Cancer Society highlighted that breast cancer is the leading cancer in terms of both new cases and fatalities, not only in the local context but also on a global scale. The statistics reveal 27,163 new cases annually, resulting in 9,906 deaths each year for both genders.

Recently, the town of La Libertad in Negros Oriental introduced its “TeleKonsulta”, an online medical consultation serving 21 barangays. The pilot test of TeleKonsulta will provide insights into the effectiveness of digital platforms for the local government unit (LGU) in delivering quicker medical services to Filipinos, which may lessen the need to travel far to the health centres in their town. The program will include a total of 21 barangays. These barangays were chosen based on their limited access to their nearest health centre.  

A study conducted by Capstone-Intel revealed that many Filipino women lack knowledge about the health risks linked to the beginning of menopause. Menopause is a universal experience for all women, but educational resources are scarce on this subject. This is especially so in the Philippines. It is a part of the normal ageing process of women, which makes it vital to acknowledge and confront the possible health risks that might emerge during this phase of transition.

Explore the ‘Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program,’ a Philippine government initiative combating hunger with Electronic Benefit Transfer cards. Addressing the issue of food insecurity, this program aims to provide long-term solutions, training, and employment opportunities. Discover how it aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal of ‘Zero Hunger’ by 2030.

Senator Cristopher “Bong” Go advocates for the establishment of super health centers (SHC) aimed at enhancing the availability of public health services in rural areas. During the groundbreaking of the Super Health Center located at Barangay Malaguicay, Tanauan, Leyte, on September 28, Senator Bong Go voiced out his vision for proper medical services to rural areas in the Philippines. He said that the SHC will aid individuals residing in remote areas by providing them with improved access to healthcare services. 

The crisis of cavities among children in the Philippines has been increasing due to a lack of information and limited discussion about its prevention. 

Accessible reproductive services are available to disadvantaged people in the Philippines amid low contraception usage rates. One such example is the Likhaan Center for Women’s Health. It is a non-government organisation co-founded and managed by Dr. Junice Demetrio-Melgar. They serve both men and women, addressing their reproductive health needs. Stigma in the Philippines The Philippines is considered one of Asia’s most Christian countries. With the Christian values that the country upholds, there is a stigma against using contraceptives.  Contraceptives are mainly used to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Even though the Philippines has a Reproductive Health law that provides universal access to…

The Philippines is not doing well in the sustainable development goal (SGD) 3 due to the increasing childhood mortality in the country. During the 5th anniversary of the First 1000 Days Law (RA11146), Vicente Y. Belizario Jr. shared his thoughts about the Philippines’ status in achieving the childhood mortality goal. He said, “If we’re talking about sustainable development goals, the Philippines as a whole is not doing [well] on childhood mortality.”

Discover comprehensive Memory Care Centers (MCCs) at Metro Manila’s top hospitals – Makati Medical Center, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, and De Los Santos Medical Center. These specialized facilities offer personalized services for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, including neurological testing, innovative treatments, and supportive care management. Learn about the prevalence of dementia in the Philippines and the essential services provided by these MCCs to enhance the quality of life for affected individuals. Join the movement towards improved mental wellness and healthcare accessibility in the country.

Both the Senate and the House have existing bills regarding the legalisation of medical marijuana. House Bill 7817, strongly supported by Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and former House speaker Pantaleon Alvarez. Meanwhile, Senator Robinhood Padilla endorses the Senate Bill 230, “Medical Cannabis Compassionate Access Act.”