CPR Law ignites media interest
With mass media by its side in its clamor for the passage of the CPR Bill, the Philippine Heart Association’s CPR Advocacy gained impressive media mileage in July and August 2016
A growing number of requests poured in from various media and private organizations
A factor to this boost is the recent passage of the CPR Act (House Bill 6204, Senate bill 3204 now RA 10871), which furthered PHA’s advocacy through media partnerships as the vehicle.
Requests for CPR trainings came from the HR Department of GMA 7 network, Health & Lifestyle and the Manila Times, while risk factor screenings were asked by the DzMM Grand Kapamilya Day and GMA Kapuso Foundation with cardiologists in their September barangay medical mission, among others.
Media partners have also been punctual in raising awareness to the public about the hazards of cardiovascular implications and how it could affect anyone, as attested by tragedies that befell noted athletes and health icons, former PBA player Samboy Lim – whose ill fate resulted in his current immobile state – and, more recently, PBA athlete, Gilbert Bulawan – whose sudden cardiac arrest lead to his unfortunate death.
Other media outlets and publications have also partaken in the effort to hasten the progress of the advocacy, through progress reports on the proposed instigation of CPR into basic and secondary education institutions where CPR is campaigned to be a mandatory learning and education unit for students, as well as follow-up stories for the Bill’s status at the Executive Branch of the government for complete integration of the CPR Law in the country.
Medical insights on habits that increase the likelihood of contracting heart complications have also been released as precautionary measures, with efforts being done by cardiologists and the PHA in enlightening everyone about cardiovascular risks and management.
MAUREEN A. GONZALES