CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The Department of Health (DOH) Central Luzon Center for Health Development (CLCHD) said the continuing rise in recorded cases of hypertension and diabetes in the region reflects improved early detection through strengthened surveillance and primary care systems under the Marcos Jr. administration’s Universal Health Care (UHC) and preventive health agenda.
DOH CLCHD Non-Communicable Diseases Cluster Head Cindy Canlas stressed that while the increase in cases reflect increasing lifestyle-related risks, it should also be viewed alongside improved health-seeking behavior and expanded access to community-based screening services across the region.
“Mas dumadami na ang nagsi-seek ng konsultasyon kaya mas natatala natin ang mga kaso ngayon kaysa dati,” Canlas said.
Based on the 2025 Field Health Services Information System report, Central Luzon recorded 209,222 cases of essential hypertension and 4,855 deaths, underscoring the continued burden of noncommunicable diseases as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality.
Canlas also noted that hypertension cases remain highest among older adults, while diabetes cases show increasing occurrence among working-age populations.
Hospital-based data also show emerging diagnoses among younger age groups.
“Mas maaga na rin nating nade-detect ang hypertension at diabetes ngayon dahil sa mas pinalawak na screening,” she added.
DOH CLCHD attributed the rise in noncommunicable diseases to lifestyle-related risk factors, including unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, smoking, alcohol consumption, poor sleep patterns, and chronic stress.
To address this, the agency is scaling up preventive interventions through expanded community-based screening, workplace health checks, and integrated grassroots services under the Purok Kalusugan initiative, which brings health services closer to communities.
DOH emphasized that prevention remains the most effective strategy against complications, urging the public to undergo early risk assessment even before symptoms appear.
“Ang layunin natin ay ma-detect ang risk bago pa lumabas ang sintomas,” Canlas said.
The agency also stressed the importance of lifestyle modification, including healthy eating, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management.
“Prevention is still better than cure—eat healthy, move more, and manage stress,” she reminded.
These efforts are supported by the UHC program, which ensures access to free consultations, laboratory services, and maintenance medicines for hypertension, diabetes, and related conditions through primary care packages and support of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.
Canlas also urged Filipinos aged 20 years old and above, especially those with family history of hypertension or diabetes, to undergo regular risk assessment and consult health facilities for early detection and management.
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