P&G Health Unveils Breakthrough Solutions for Peripheral Neuropathy Management

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Procter and Gamble (P&G) Philippines, in collaboration with P&G Health, is at the forefront of redefining the landscape of Peripheral Neuropathy (PN) with innovative solutions aimed at improving the lives of millions affected by this condition, spearheading a transformative narrative on Peripheral Neuropathy (PN), with groundbreaking insights unveiled during the #KNOWTHESIGNS Scientific Forum last November 14, 2023, during World Diabetes Day. While the forum took place earlier, the timeless impact of the revelations continues to reshape our understanding of PN, a condition affecting over 50 million people globally.

The key highlight from the forum was the unveiling of the NENOIN Study results, shedding light on the efficacy of a fixed dose combination of B vitamins (B1, B6, and B12) in significantly improving nerve function. The study's findings provide a crucial roadmap for managing Peripheral Neuropathy, offering tangible hope for millions globally.

Understanding the Scope of Peripheral Neuropathy:

Peripheral Neuropathy, affecting over 50 million people globally, poses significant challenges to those with diabetes and pre-diabetes. Numbness, tingling, and burning sensations in the hands and feet are common symptoms, impacting the quality of life for individuals with this condition.

With Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 being the leading cause of PN, the increasing prevalence of PN is closely linked to the rise in the number of diabetic patients. Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is the result of damage to the nerves impacting the quality of life of people as they are not able to go about their daily lives as comfortably. Symptoms of PN include numbness, tingling, prickling, and burning sensations in the hands and feet. B vitamin deficiency and polymedication are other high-risk factors along with diabetes, leading to peripheral nerve damage. Published studies across different countries confirm that up to 80% of patients with PN remain undiagnosed and untreated.

P&G's Comprehensive Approach:

P&G Health is committed to addressing the multifaceted nature of Peripheral Neuropathy by introducing holistic solutions that focus is on providing relief and improved quality of life to individuals dealing with the daily struggles of PN.

Key Components of P&G's Peripheral Neuropathy Management Strategy:

1. Innovative Research: A leader in Nerve Health, P&G Health invests in continuous research, exemplified by studies like the NENOIN Study, to uncover effective solutions for Peripheral Neuropathy. This commitment to innovation underlines P&G's dedication to improving outcomes for those living with PN. PN is associated with poor functional mobility and compromised motor symptoms, in addition to sensory symptoms. These symptoms significantly worsen the quality of life of patients. Results from the NENOIN study concluded that the synergistic combination of vitamins B1, B6, and B12 can not only relief symptoms but also significantly improve nerve function in patients with PN which is a critical learning. This further underlines how early screening for PN and timely treatment can help improve quality of life and treatment outcomes

2. Vitamin B Supplementation: Besides diabetes mellitus, aging, alcoholism, and B vitamins deficiencies are other high-risk factors leading to peripheral nerve damage. Vitamin B1, B6, and B12 play essential roles in the maintenance of a healthy nervous system. Vitamin B1 provides energy to the nerves, vitamin B6 helps with signal transmission in nerves, while vitamin B12 helps with neuronal regeneration. combination of vitamin B1, B6 and B12 that is scientifically proven to repair nerve damage, restore nerve function and regenerate nerves to relieve neuropathy symptoms.

3. Pharmacist Engagement: Acknowledging the integral role of pharmacists in patient care, P&G advocates for their active involvement. By providing guidance on lifestyle modifications and recommending over-the-counter treatments, pharmacists play a vital role in supporting individuals with PN. A Speaker at the Forum, Dr. Kenny P Merin (Pharmacist, and Assistant Vice President, Academics & Research of Lyceum of the Philippines University Davao – Philippines) shared, "Pharmacists are an integral part of the healthcare team and can provide valuable support to patients with PN, yet often we are underutilized. Pharmacists are often the first point of contact and can drive early awareness of patient's condition, offer guidance on lifestyle modifications, and help optimize medication regimens. Pharmacists can also recommend over-the-counter treatments (e.g., therapeutic dose of Neurotropic B vitamins) for PN symptom relief. By actively engaging with patients and healthcare professionals, let's join hands to improve PN patients' long-term health and well-being.”

4. AI-Powered Awareness: P&G's ongoing #KnowtheSigns campaign leverages Artificial Intelligence to make the often-invisible conditions of PN and Vitamin B deficiency more visible and relatable to consumers. Early diagnosis is emphasized as a critical factor in enabling better treatment outcomes.

5. Collective Stakeholder Efforts: Insights from healthcare professionals around the globe underscore the importance of collaborative efforts, education, and early intervention. As a partner to International Diabetes Federation (IDF), P&G Health is committed to continued efforts to raise awareness on Diabetes and its associated complications including Peripheral Neuropathy and Vitamin B Deficiency. The goal is to create a comprehensive support system that addresses the challenges posed by Peripheral Neuropathy on a global scale.

“Our #KnowtheSigns campaign is a step change in the approach towards health awareness, as for the first time, we have leveraged Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make the invisible condition of PN & Vitamin B deficiency visible and more relatable to consumers. We hope to help people understand the condition by shedding light on daily struggles and symptoms. Not many people are aware that early diagnosis can help enable better treatment outcomes and better quality of life, and damaged nerves can be regenerated if nerve damage has not progressed too far,” says Aalok Agrawal, Senior Vice-President, P&G Health, Asia, India, Middle East & Africa.

As P&G Health continues to drive innovation in the realm of Peripheral Neuropathy, the focus remains on providing solutions that enhance the overall quality of life for individuals affected by this condition. The ongoing commitment to research, awareness, and comprehensive care solidifies P&G Health's position as a leader in the pursuit of better outcomes for those with Peripheral Neuropathy.

How P&G navigates the workplace landscape post-pandemic

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Despite workforce challenges that affect employee retention in Philippine companies, P&G Philippines continues to safeguard employee satisfaction

Manila, Philippines – With the pandemic forcing  Filipinos to reevaluate not just how they view work, but their entire lives, workplace dissatisfaction led to the “Great Resignation,” – an economic trend where employees, in numbers larger than usual, resigned from work since the start of the pandemic. Various reasons for the resignations include inadequate compensation, overall job dissatisfaction, the lack of opportunities, and return-to-office policies. 

According to Procter & Gamble (P&G) Philippines, the Great Place to Work®-certified multinational consumer goods company with a diverse range of superior health care, home care, beauty, and grooming products, employee satisfaction and retention are anchored on three factors: People Investment, Equality and Inclusion, and Purpose-Drive Workplace.

“For P&G, people are our most important asset. We always strive to innovate and have industry-leading policies, programs, and practices to keep our people empowered and motivated,” says Vince Dizon, Country Human Resource Leader of P&G Philippines.

People Investment

While pandemic restrictions have eased, its repercussions on the Philippine workforce have remained steady. In 2022, the Philippine employee resignation rate increased and part of this is due to a lack of growth opportunities within companies. According to GlassDoor.com, among the top ten reasons for resignations are unrealistic goals and expectations and lack of career path and progression.

P&G meets this challenge head-on. As one of the country’s top employers, P&G is known to invest in its talent and leadership development highly. The company stands apart with its ‘grow from within’ culture, meaningful careers leading billion-dollar global brands, international exposure and assignments, and hands-on mentorship from P&G leaders across the globe.

Equality and Inclusion

During the onset of the pandemic, P&G reframed its employee value proposition (EVP), the framework from which the company anchors its people policies, to “P&G + Me = Mutual Success.” This new framework focused on gratifying and empowering employees by keeping them inspired, valuing and rewarding good work, and continuously making a positive impact on the business and communities P&G serves.

It is from this framework that P&G Philippines developed its HR policies and programs that supported and allowed its employees to thrive and succeed amidst the changing workplace landscape.

In 2020, P&G launched one of its biggest and most groundbreaking policies called “Share the Care” which entitles fathers to 8 weeks of parental leave vs. the mandatory 7 days of paternity leave in the local Philippines context. The policy applies to all employees, regardless of gender, marital status, and biological or adoptive status.

P&G also launched Vibrant Living, a holistic wellness program that aims to emphasize the importance of mental, socio-emotional, and physical health. At a time when people were working hybrid WFH setups, P&G was able to cater to their needs both virtually and physically through online medical seminars, webinars on mental health, virtual workouts, and even online music classes for P&G kids.

As the workforce landscape keeps evolving, P&G continues to promote policies that foster and create inclusion and equal opportunities for all employees to thrive and succeed regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and background.

A Purpose-Driven Workplace

According to Talent Trends’ 2022 The Great X report, the Filipino workforce is shifting focus on finding quality workplaces that offer purposeful work.

“P&G is committed to being a Force for Growth and  a Force for Good in the communities where we live and work. Our employees share this commitment as we serve consumers with superior products and being available to them during times of greater need,” says Dizon.

P&G has been a consistent partner of various government agencies and non-government organizations like the Department of Health, Department of Education (DepEd), the Philippine Red Cross, and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to name a few. Over the COVID-19 pandemic, P&G has stepped up as a Force for Good and a Force for Growth by donating over PHP 200 Million to help aid in the government’s COVID-19 pandemic response efforts. This includes re-purposing its manufacturing plant to produce and donate over 3 million medical-grade face masks to DOH and front liners hospitals, donating P&G health and hygiene products, and building health and hygiene infrastructures for DepEd schools, LGUs, government hospitals, public areas, and transport terminals.

Recently, P&G donated over Php 650,000.00 worth of P&G home and personal care products to the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) to aid communities in need during PCUP’s first-ever PWD and Senior Assembly during Urban Poor Solidarity Week. In collaboration with the Manila Water Foundation, the company also donated over Php 1.8 million in P&G Vicks' newest product, ZzzQuil melatonin gummies, to over 4,000 Business Process Outsourcing workers to promote health through proper rest.

P&G Philippines’ winning workplace culture was recently affirmed by earning its Great Place to Work® Certification™ with a 94% employee satisfaction rating. The company also won “Top Employer of the Year” at the 2022 Asia CEO Awards, was recognized as “2022 Best Companies to Work for in Asia” by HR Asia, and was hailed as the Champion for the Gender Inclusive Workplace category in the 2021 UNWEP Awards.

P&G and World Vision ramp up efforts to create more school chairs from plastic waste

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Procter & Gamble (P&G) Philippines, maker of trusted brands like Safeguard, Head & Shoulders, Pampers, Ariel, continues to create a better tomorrow for Filipinos with the “Pag-Asa sa Basura” Project. In partnership with World Vision Philippines and the Department of Education, the project promotes sustainable waste segregation collection, and recycling in schools and communities.

“Alongside plastic waste recovery and recycling, Pag-asa sa Basura makes a meaningful and sustainable impact by also educating students, teachers, and parents on the fundamentals of proper solid waste management and empowering communities affected by poor waste management,” says King Martin Agoncillo, the Corporate Communications Manager of P&G Philippines.

Schools segregate and collect plastic waste, which is collected and upcycled into school chairs, that are donated back to participating schools. Additionally, the initiative distributed collection bins and rehabilitated materials recovery facilities that systematize recovery, segregation, recycling, and upcycling efforts.

(Photo during the turnover of “Pag-asa Sa Basura” upcycled chairs in Malabon)

The program also educates and empowers the students on how they can help prevent environmental ills. Students who collect recyclable materials are rewarded with incentives such as school supplies and gift tokens.

Since the project’s inception in 2019, the “Pag-Asa sa Basura” project has given back over two thousand upcycled chairs and added 1,500 chairs this year. The project has collected 3.2 million sachet waste and 913,000 plastic bottles to date. The chairs have been distributed to 20 partner schools in Malabon and five in Quezon City.

Pag-Asa sa Basura is grounded on the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, or RA 9003, which aims to maximize resource conservation and recovery through proper waste management. It is one of P&G’s initiatives in helping ​​non-governmental organizations and local government agencies in giving aid to communities in need.

“The challenges we face today are much greater as we go back to face-to-face schooling amid the pandemic. Through our partnership with P&G, we hope to help communities while finding solutions for a sustainable future,” says Chifadel Mabolo, the Program Manager of the Malabon cluster of World Vision Philippines.

As a responsible corporate citizen, P&G Philippines was recently honored by Asia CEO Awards with the Sustainability Company of The Year Circle of Excellence Award. The award is given to organizations that achieved important success in environmental progress and demonstrated leadership and commitment to sustainability.