Diabetes Awareness

Sen. Angara's speech for the Philippine Center for Diabetes Education Foundation, Inc. on its Diabetes Awareness Week

Good morning.

I am honored to be in the presence of such brilliant health professionals who took the time to engage in meaningful socio civic activities such as this Diabetes Awareness Week.

All of us here today share the same belief with regard to diabetes - that it is a national crisis in the making, and that we should not wait any second longer to effectively address it.

The threat of diabetes to Filipinos is alarming. Globally, the Philippines ranks 10th among countries with the highest diabetes incidence. An estimated number of six million Filipinos know they have diabetes, and another six million is estimated to have the disease but are not aware they have it.

It is both shocking and sad that while diabetes is the 9th leading cause of death in the Philippines, diabetes awareness is very low among the public. Being a complicated disease, diabetes could only be effectively addressed with proper education regarding the right diet and a healthy lifestyle.

This low level of diabetes awareness becomes an even more pressing issue with the growing number of diabetics in the country. By 2010, there would be an estimated 15 million diabetics in the country unless the disease is not curbed. What's worse, diabetes is now increasingly affecting even the younger generations, with cases of diabetes in pre-teens and teens surging. Indeed, diabetes is more rampant today than it was ten to 20 years ago.

But with valiant efforts of such organizations as the Philippine Center for Diabetes Education Foundation, all hope is not yet lost. Like all of you, I believe that the diabetes threat in the country can best be addressed through intensive educational campaigns.

Education targets diabetes twofold. First, diabetes awareness among the public may help Filipinos be more conscious of their diet and lifestyle, and consequently help them avoid acquiring the disease. Proper education on how to manage the disease may also help diabetics live to the fullest, and help them avoid its painful complications.

I am very pleased that the Diabetes Center has taken the initiative in arresting diabetes through intensive education drives. I know that with the growing threat of diabetes, your task is becoming harder. But I think your organization's efforts are exemplary, and I support your advocacy. I believe that the government's executive arm should also intensify its efforts in curbing the diabetes threat, and that both branches of government, along with various non government organizations such as the Diabetes Center, should work hand in hand in addressing the disease.

Along with education and agriculture, health has always been my priority agenda. I believe that healthy Filipinos live more productively, and contribute more to the development of our country. Together, let us work to ensure healthy Filipinos for an even healthier, more developed Philippines.

Thank you.