The fight vs. the global CVD scourge starts in the community level
A monumental success was the Philippine Heart Association (PHA)-led commemoration of Philippine Heart Month (HM) 2025 in Legazpi City, Albay, as described by Dr. Walid Amil, PHA vice president and HM 2025 chair. “The Bicol Chapter, raised the bar higher,” he said. Bicol’s high-impact execution of HM has generally surpassed previous celebrations and replicated that of the PHA Cebu and Zamboanga Chapters’.
Acting Governor Glenda Bongao, Drs; Rodney Jimenez, Richard Henry Tiongco II, Avenilo Aventura Jr., and Luigi Pierre Segundo
In hailing the chapter, PHA President Dr. Rodney Jimenez said “from the preparation to the event proper to the Fellowship Night, your efforts are remarkable. This is so inspiring, you have inspired me so much”.
PHA President Dr. Rodney Jimenez
He added that the PHA started Heart Month as a reminder that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of mortality around the globe and all the international CVD societies have one common mission, that is to dramatically decrease the global burden.
The tradition of designating a PHA chapter as the major host or center piece of the national event began in 2014. Through Proclamation 1096, Heart Month was launched on February 14, 1973, to promote awareness and support for heart health advocacy programs. The same proclamation named the Philippine Heart Association as the lead agency of the yearly observance of HM.
“This event stands as a powerful testament to your unwavering support and commitment to ensure that every Filipino particularly those at risks to receive a compassionate and holistic cardiovascular care and support. Your efforts are significant steps towards a more resilient community,” said Dr. Rodolfo Albornoz, Department of Health (DOH) Bicol Center for Health Development Director IV.
Dr. Rodolfo Albornoz
At the full-packed HM fair, the general message of the PHA pillars from Manila and Bicol was “there is a constant need to amplify the call on the public to be cardiovascular health savvy and create the culture of knowing their numbers, being mindful of their risk factors and doing something about it. The doctors, can’t do it alone. It takes two to tango. Treatment or management involves the doctor and patient, who should get family support.”
PHA Bicol President Dr. Bienarosa Ala Suarez stressed that “CVD is a global epidemic. We have to spread CVD education in the community, we go regional then national level.”
PHA Bicol Chapter President Dr. Bienarosa Ala-Suarez
Amil added “mahalin natin ang ating puso. Pangalagaan natin ito. We only have one heart, so we should take care of it. And for good health and long life, practice PHA PUSO MUNA, which means Pagkain na malusog; Huwag manigarilyo; Aktibong pamumuhay; Presyon ay kontrolin; Uminom ng maintenance; Sugar ay kontrolin; Obesity ay iwasan; Matulog nang kumpleto; Umiwas sa stress; No to alcohol; Ayawan nag cholesterol.
PHA Vice President Dr. Walid Amil
Two special guests from the public sector -- Acting Albay Governor Glenda Bongao and Legazpi Mayor Alfredo Gargin Jr., extolled the medical and cardiovascular landscape’s frontliners for their dynamism and heroism. Both urged the heart doctors to keep up the good work and aim higher “Nakatuwang makita na ang mga heart doctors ay may ganitong advocacy. Palakasin pa natin ang network and linkages para accessible ang cardiology sa bayan.”
Teachers, soldiers, barangay health workers as patients, students as On-the-Spot Poster-Making Contest participants, public servants, and an impressive number of Media people who covered the event, under one roof, was a remarkable feat.
Suarez also said, “We have chosen teachers, soldiers, barangay health workers, students as participants to be of help in schools and in their communities. We welcome you and hope to become a defying and informative acquaintance today. Learning significant ideas shape our state of health to be set anytime.”
A motorcade ushered in the Heart Month 2025 Fair. At the center of the motorcade was a red pickup truck that carried the PHA Mascot “Karjo Mahusay” and Suarez, that snaked through the city’s major arteries and ended up SM City’s entrance on Imelda Roces Ave.
Drs. Jimenez and Ala-Suarez with Karjo Mahusay
And remarkably, during this HM 2025 sortie, the PHA Bicol Chapter made sure that the PHA National Board of Directors and Secretariat had a great business-and-leisure trip, by giving them a taste of the unique brand of Bicolandia culture. The culmination of the jaunt was the Mayon-gazing “expedition” -- from the Lignon Hill, Daraga Church, Cagsawa Ruins Park to Sumlang Lake.
Upon the Manila group’s arrival, it was raining. Providentially, on day 2, the sun was beaming radiantly, paving for the roads that led to the Heart Month 2025 fair and Mt. Mayon’s view points. Partially draped by clouds, Mt. Mayon managed to keep its mystic and picturesque posture.
PHA Board of Directors and the PHA Secretariat