ILOILO City – Thousands of Ilonggos benefited from free medical services and wellness activities as the city government led the local observance of World Heart Day yesterday, underscoring the urgent need to prevent cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), still the world’s leading killer.
The celebration, organized by the Iloilo City Health Office in partnership with the Department of Health–Western Visayas and the World Health Organization, drew residents to the City Hall grounds for a morning of free risk assessments and consultations. Services included cardiovascular risk screening, smoking cessation counseling, breast and foot examinations, random blood sugar testing, and psychosocial support.
City health officials stressed that the activities were designed to highlight the importance of early detection, lifestyle changes, and access to professional guidance. “World Heart Day is not just about treating illnesses when they come, but about empowering people to make better choices for their hearts and overall well-being,” the City Health Office emphasized.
As a symbolic gesture, Iloilo City Hall was illuminated last night to cap the event, reflecting the city’s commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles and building a culture of prevention among Ilonggos.
World Heart Day, initiated by the World Heart Federation and marked annually every September 29, carries the global call for communities to step up education, awareness, and access to healthcare to combat CVDs. With its observance, Iloilo City reaffirmed its role as a champion of public health in Western Visayas./PN
