Life After Diagnosis: TGP and PCEDM Empower Filipinos to Live Better with Diabetes

 So paano na nga kapag may diabetes ka na?

Magbabago ba ang buhay mo? Mahirap ba? These are the questions many Filipinos face upon learning they have diabetes—a chronic condition that, when unmanaged, can lead to serious health complications.

A Growing Health Concern Among Filipinos

According to the Department of Health (DOH), around 4.3 million Filipinos are currently living with diabetes, making it one of the top causes of death in the country.

Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that diabetes causes approximately 1.5 million deaths each year, with the Western Pacific Region—where the Philippines belongs—seeing a steady rise in prevalence.

These “scary” numbers reflect a harsh reality: while diabetes is common, it doesn’t have to control one’s life. With proper education, timely consultation, and the right treatment, Filipinos can live long, full lives even after diagnosis.

TOP (L-R): Dr. Jay Fonte – PCEDM Board Member, Dr. Karla Kristine Fernando – PCEDM Board Member, Dr. Celeste Ramos – PCEDM Board Member, Dr. Daveric Pagsisihan – PCEDM Board Member, Dr. Monica Therese Cating-Cabral – PCEDM Treasurer, Gladys Abaday – TGP Brand Communications Manager, Dr. Aurora Macaballug, PCEDM Past President, Dr. Andres Ebison Jr. - PCEDM Board Member

BOTTOM (L-R): Dr. Jerome Barrera – PCEDM Secretary,  Dr. Elaine Cunanan – PCEDM Vice President, Dr. Lora May Tan-Tin Hay – PCEDM President, Aileen Natividad – TGP Deputy General Manager, Joanne Arceo – RRHI Drugstore Segment, Group General Manager, Abet Chao – TGP AVP Merchandising

Living Better, Not Just Longer

Diabetes experts from the Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PCEDM) remind the public that diabetes management is possible through simple, consistent habits anchored on their long-standing IWAS: 4Dapat Diabetes Campaign advocacy:

• Ikonsulta sa doktor
• Wastong pagkain
• Aktibong pamumuhay
• Sapat at angkop na gamot

These four steps emphasize the importance of early diagnosis, proper nutrition, physical activity, and adherence to doctor-prescribed medication—principles that can drastically improve quality of life after a diabetes diagnosis.

TGP and PCEDM: Partners in Advocacy

To make credible diabetes education more accessible to Filipinos, The Generics Pharmacy (TGP) has partnered with PCEDM through a formal Memorandum of Agreement signed by TGP Deputy General Manager Aileen Natividad and PCEDM President Dr. Lora May Tan-Tin Hay.

The partnership seeks to strengthen nationwide efforts in diabetes awareness, prevention, and management by combining TGP’s extensive retail and community network with PCEDM’s medical expertise.

“This partnership reinforces our mission to make healthcare more accessible and reliable for every Filipino. By working hand-in-hand with PCEDM’s advocacies and medical expertise, we aim to bridge the gap between awareness and action when it comes to diabetes prevention,” said Natividad.

“Through this collaboration, we want Filipinos to know that life after a diabetes diagnosis is still full of hope and possibilities—with the right care, education, and support,” shared Dr. Tan-Tin Hay.

Empowering Communities Nationwide

Under this collaboration, both organizations will roll out advocacy initiatives across digital, in-store, and on-ground platforms—including expert-led talks and community health engagements.

TGP will lead the implementation of advocacy content while augmenting the dissemination of PCEDM’s social media contents.

The campaign will begin this World Diabetes Day, November 14, encouraging Filipinos to take charge of their health and embrace a more proactive, informed approach to living with diabetes. ###