A series of new programs across the Philippines is reinforcing the shift toward preventive healthcare, with recent initiatives focusing on early detection, hygiene education, digital access, and integrated wellness services.
Here are latest health developments, spanning pharmacies, schools, technology platforms and tourism:
Free liver screening rolls out in pharmacies
A new partnership between Essentiale Forte P and Mercury Drug Corporation is bringing free liver testing closer to communities through select drugstore branches nationwide.
The program offers SGPT (Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase) tests, which help detect possible liver damage—an important step given that many liver conditions remain asymptomatic in early stages. The Hepatology Society of the Philippines estimates that about 18 million Filipinos are at risk of fatty liver disease.
“Inside the liver are enzymes that normally stay within liver cells. When the liver is damaged, these enzymes leave the liver and enter the bloodstream, making it detectable through an SGPT test. When their levels in the blood are elevated, it can be a sign that the liver is already compromised and may need attention,” Dr. Anna Guia Limpoco of the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians, said.
She emphasized the need for routine checks and lifestyle changes.
“Caring for the liver starts with being proactive about one’s health. This includes undergoing regular screening tests for early detection, maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle, and making mindful choices about diet and alcohol consumption,” the doctor said.
Mercury Drug said the initiative builds on the role of pharmacies as first points of care.
“Community pharmacies are often the first place people go to for health advice, so programs like this allow us to play a more active role in promoting preventive care by making services such as liver screening more accessible to our customers,” Martin Gumayan, Vice President for Chainstore Operations, said.
Nationwide oral health campaign expands services
In dental health, a new nationwide campaign is scaling up access to care. The Philippine Dental Association, Philippine Association of Registered Dental Technologists and Haleon brands Sensodyne and Polident have launched “Ngiting Tagumpay,” offering free consultations, education, and 1,500 dentures.
The campaign addresses persistent gaps, with data showing that 6 in 10 Filipinos experience tooth sensitivity, while denture use remains low among those who need it.
“Many Filipinos tend to delay seeking dental care until symptoms become more difficult to manage,” PDA President Dr. Lucilo Niñal Jr. said.
“Conditions like tooth sensitivity or tooth loss are common, but they can often be addressed effectively when people are informed and receive timely care,” he added.
“World Oral Health Day reminds us that prevention and early treatment play a crucial role in maintaining overall health. Through programs like Ngiting Tagumpay, we can reach more communities with reliable information while connecting them to proper dental care,” he continued.
School programs target hygiene and child health
Efforts to prevent disease at the community level are also expanding, particularly among children. Erceflora’s “Batang Matatag” program continues to promote hygiene and gut health through education and improved sanitation facilities in schools.
Since 2022, the initiative has reached more than 200,000 children and supported over 100 schools with water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure.
Reported outcomes include a 20% drop in diarrhea cases in Rizal partner schools and a 50% reduction in BARMM during the 2024–2025 school year.
“Batang Matatag reflects our commitment to protecting children not just through treatment, but through prevention—empowering communities with the knowledge, habits, and support to build strong foundations for lifelong health and resilience,” Rica Mateo, Erceflora ASEA Zone Brand Lead, said.
“Being Batang Matatag starts with taking care of one’s body, but this mission goes far beyond any single product or organization. We call on parents, educators, and partners to work with us—because building stronger, healthier children is a shared responsibility we cannot achieve alone,” Opella Healthcare Philippines Country Head Emma Valette added.
Philippine health app earns global recognition
On the digital front, the Philippine-developed mWell platform has gained international recognition after winning a Global Mobile (GLOMO) Award at Mobile World Congress 2026.
“Digital innovation is key to our commitment to national progress,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, chairman of mWell. “Through mWell, we continue to harness technology to bring quality healthcare closer to every Filipino.”
The platform delivers telemedicine and deploys portable “clinic-in-a-bag” systems to remote and underserved communities.
“This recognition affirms our focus on advancing healthcare inclusion through innovation,” mWell President and CEO Chaye Cabal-Revilla said.
“Our goal is simple: ensure healthcare is within reach for communities that need it most.”
Wellness tourism links healthcare and travel
Meanwhile, healthcare providers are exploring new ways to integrate preventive care with lifestyle and travel. Fullerton Health Philippines has partnered with Nurture Wellness Village to offer executive health screenings combined with eco-therapy stays.
“Our partnership with Fullerton Health is about more than just wellness, it’s about showing the world that the Philippines is a premier destination for medical and wellness tourism,” Nurture Wellness Village President Cathy Brillantes-Turvill said.
Fullerton Health Philippines executive Carmie de Leon said the approach blends care and recovery.
“Clients get the benefits of a thorough, private, and efficient executive health screening, followed by the rejuvenating experience of Tagaytay’s premier eco-therapy destination. It’s preventive healthcare complemented by rest and rejuvenation,” De Leon said.
