A growing health crisis took center stage at Quezon City Hall as government leaders, healthcare advocates, and medical professionals gathered for the launch of “Iwas Dialysis, Ligtas Kidneys: Get CheCKD Habang Maaga Pa!”—a collaborative initiative between the Quezon City Government and Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines aimed at raising awareness about chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the importance of early screening.
Unlike many health-related events that focus on treatment and recovery, the campaign centered on prevention. Throughout the launch, speakers repeatedly highlighted a concerning reality: millions of Filipinos may already be living with kidney disease without knowing it.
The program opened with discussions on the current state of kidney health in the Philippines, where chronic kidney disease continues to affect a significant portion of the population. Medical experts described CKD as a “silent disease” because symptoms often do not become noticeable until the condition has already progressed to more severe stages.
@lionheartv Kidney disease is no longer just a medical concern—it has become a silent epidemic and a real challenge for our community. To tackle this growing issue head-on, a specialized health forum was held at the Quezon City Hall to spread awareness on early detection and kidney care. Don’t wait for symptoms to show. Protect your health and get checked today! #IwasDialysisLigtasKidneys #GetCheCKD #QCForKidneyHealth #LionHearTV #RawrNation ♬ original sound – LIONHEARTV
For many patients, diagnosis comes only when kidney function has significantly deteriorated—often leading to costly and life-altering treatments such as dialysis.
This reality became the driving force behind the newly launched campaign.
Representatives from Quezon City and Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines emphasized that the key to reducing kidney-related complications lies in making preventive healthcare more accessible at the community level. Instead of waiting for residents to seek treatment after symptoms appear, the initiative aims to encourage regular health checks and risk assessments before complications arise.
One of the campaign’s major announcements was the expansion of community-based screening efforts across Quezon City. Residents, particularly those living with diabetes, hypertension, and other risk factors, will be encouraged to undergo routine health assessments through local health centers and barangay facilities.
Health professionals explained that these screenings can help identify early signs of kidney damage long before symptoms become severe. Through timely intervention, patients may be able to slow disease progression and avoid more aggressive treatment options in the future.
The discussions also underscored the financial and emotional burden that chronic kidney disease places on Filipino families. Beyond the medical costs associated with dialysis and long-term treatment, speakers noted the impact on quality of life, employment, and overall family well-being.
Because of this, the campaign seeks to shift public perception of kidney health from a reactive concern to a preventive priority.
Throughout the event, healthcare experts stressed that simple actions—such as monitoring blood pressure, controlling blood sugar levels, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and undergoing regular checkups—can significantly reduce the risk of developing severe kidney complications.
What made the launch particularly significant was its community-focused approach. Rather than limiting awareness efforts to hospitals and clinics, the initiative aims to bring education and screening opportunities directly to neighborhoods where residents can access services more easily.
The partnership between Quezon City and Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines reflects a broader commitment to strengthening preventive healthcare and empowering Filipinos to take a more active role in managing their health.
As the program concluded, attendees left with a shared understanding that chronic kidney disease remains a growing challenge—but one that can be addressed through awareness, accessibility, and early action.
With “Iwas Dialysis, Ligtas Kidneys: Get CheCKD Habang Maaga Pa!” now officially underway, organizers hope more Filipinos will recognize the importance of getting checked before symptoms appear, proving that when it comes to kidney health, the best treatment often begins long before illness is felt. (with reports from Aldrine Benitez)
