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. ###
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