CAPIZ – The provincial government under the leadership of Gov. Fredenil H. Castro has formally launched the Healthy Hearts Program – a milestone in the fight against cardiovascular disease (CVD) – on Wednesday, August 6, at the Kapis Mansion in Roxas City.
The launch is part of the expanded Healthy Hearts Program in Western Visayas, which aims to help reduce the number of deaths due to heart disease and other diseases such as high blood, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases.
The event featured a comprehensive presentation outlining the program’s overall objectives, which center on reducing the prevalence of CVD and promoting optimal heart health among residents. Key strategies discussed included implementing lifestyle changes, enhancing disease management practices, and fostering healthier living environments.
Moreover, the provincial government’s plans for the program were unveiled, along with the formal signing ceremony intended to symbolize the collaborative commitment among stakeholders to make the Healthy Hearts Program a success.
Gov. Castro, in his speech, warmly welcomed leaders and representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Health (DOH), emphasizing their vital role in supporting public health initiatives within the province.
He also expressed the unwavering support of the provincial government for the program, highlighting its significance in improving community health and well-being.
The governor further referred to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s priority initiative of establishing specialty hospitals in every region. He expressed a particular interest in creating a cardiovascular specialty hospital in Capiz.
This specialty hospital, he said, aims to enhance the region’s healthcare capacity and directly align with the goals of the Healthy Hearts Program, ultimately striving to reduce the incidence of heart disease-related fatalities and improve the quality of care available to residents.
The Healthy Hearts Program, a collaborative initiative with the DOH and WHO, is designed to tackle the alarming rates of CVD through a multifaceted approach. This includes promoting nutritious diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while reducing the intake of processed foods high in sodium and unhealthy fats.
Additionally, the program encourages regular physical activity to combat sedentary lifestyles and addresses critical health issues by providing education and resources for managing chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
The event was attended by key officials in the health sector, including Technical Officer Rauell John Santos, representative of Dr. Eunyoung Ko, WHO Acting Country Representative; Dr. Aimee Marie L. Gayomali, representative of DOH Region 6’s Dr. Annabelle Yumang; Vice Gov. James Magbanua; and Provincial Board member Cesar Yap Jr.
Also present were Provincial Health Officer II Dr. Ramon Alex T. Nolasco; Dr. Bolanle Banigbe, Global Hypertension Control Director; Dr. Tejpalsanh Chavan; Dr. Florencio Luching Jr., Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital’s Chief of Hospital II; League of the Municipalities of the Philippines-Capiz Chapter president Raymond Malapajo; municipal health officers./PN
