Information on diabetes now made more accessible with educational materials and equipment
The first quarter of 2022 has been a blessed and prosperous time for the residents of Pansol, Taal, Batangas, as a ‘Diabetes Corner’ was established in the area, only seven (7) months after the turnover of the Pansol ALAGA KA Barangay Health Station (BHS) to their Barangay and Municipal Local Government Unit (LGU).
On the morning of 18 March 2022, Health Futures Foundation’s (HFI) partner and sponsor Sun Life Financial Philippines held a virtual media conference to officially launch the initiative in Pansol ALAGA KA BHS in Taal, Batangas. This was witnessed by representatives from HFI, Sun Life Foundation, Sun Life Financial Philippines, and the Institute for Studies on Diabetes Foundation, Inc. (ISDFI) through a Facebook Live event via Sun Life Philippines’ Facebook page.
The virtual event formally commenced with a short invocation prayer led by Pansol Barangay Health Worker (BHW) Ms. Jhoanne Grace D. Marasigan, followed by the singing of the Philippine national anthem.
To warmly welcome the virtual attendees, HFI President and Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Fellow Dr. Cora de los Angeles-Añonuevo delivered an insightful speech citing the importance of health education in preventing and managing diabetes in the communities. In her speech, Dr. de los Angeles-Añonuevo also mentioned that through the Diabetes Corner, patients of Pansol ALAGA KA BHS will now have access to educational flyers, portable screen for educational videos, healthy lifestyle displays, and blood sugar screening which is available for pre-diabetic residents. Dr. de los Angeles-Añonuevo also cited the initiative as a worthy project that can be replicated in other areas, with the Pansol BHS as its model.
Following Dr. de los Angeles-Añonuevo’s speech, Ms. Carla Chong, Chief Marketing Officer OIC of Sun Life Philippines also gave a message of inspiration to the virtual audience. Ms. Chong described the Diabetes Corner as another milestone for the organization as they take concrete actions to fulfill their purpose of empowering Filipinos in making healthier choices.
Meanwhile, Sun Life Foundation Executive Director Ms. Kristine Millete credited the Diabetes Corner initiative as a welcome addition to the awareness-raising efforts in the communities. Complementing the Community Based Health and Wellness Program (CBHWP) implemented by HFI on the ground, Ms. Millete also expressed that Diabetes Corner can be a gateway for communities to take action in preventing and managing diabetes.
During the program, the host also acknowledges the presence of Mr. Benedict C. Sison, Chairman of Sun Life Foundation, CEO and Country Head of Sun Life Philippines, and Mr. Alexander S. Narciso, President of Sun Life Foundation and Sun Life of Canada Philippines, Inc.
After Ms. Millete’s message, Dr. Marcelo Ang Lim, President of the Institute for Studies on Diabetes Foundation, Inc. (ISDFI), also gave a short introduction of the ISDFI as an organization. With their goal to help the communities cope with diabetes by teaching and empowering health workers and organizing community outreach programs, Dr. Lim expressed his support for the Diabetes Corner initiative and mentioned to continue working together for this project to succeed and multiply.
On behalf of the Pansol Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU), Brgy. Capt. Ronelo M. Villanueva also graced the audience with a message of gratitude to HFI, Sun Life Foundation, Sun Life Financial Philippines, and ISDFI for making the Diabetes Corner initiative possible.
Following Brgy. Capt. Villanueva’s message, Taal Municipal Health Officer (MHO) Dr. Cailanie Mayuga also gave a short parting message thanking the partners for the Diabetes Corner initiative which will be very helpful to the community members of Taal, Batangas.
After Dr. Mayuga’s message, a montage of the newly turned-over Diabetes Corner was presented during the virtual event, together with a short video of the ribbon-cutting ceremony inside the Pansol ALAGA KA BHS.
To end the program, ISDFI took over the virtual program through a cooking session led by Clinical Dietician and Diabetes Educator, and ISDFI Faculty Ms. Jennina Duatin, followed by an online Zumba session held in the Sun Life Fitness Center.
The Diabetes Corner will be used by health professionals and BHWs, especially during the health education sessions with the patients of the Barangay Health Station. Backed with the training from ISDFI, BHWs will now be equipped to provide better services to the 1,128 residents of Pansol, Taal, Batangas.
