The COVID-19 pandemic left a lasting impact on the world. Years after its initial shock, the world continues to grapple with its effects. Though the immediate crisis may have passed, individuals affected by the disease still carry scars—silently fighting the invisible war known as Long COVID or post-COVID-19 condition. This chronic, debilitating condition appears after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Long COVID affects approximately 65 million people worldwide. Despite this large number, many people remain unaware of its devastating impact, especially in the Philippines.
To spark conversation on Long COVID, Health Futures Foundation, Inc. (HFI) hosted “Long COVID Conversations: Inspiring Insights and New Perspectives,” a space for lived experiences, clinical insights, and mutual understanding among media, health advocates, and patients. The forum took place on 17 November 2025, at One World Deli, Timog Avenue, Quezon City.
The forum featured stories and a talk-back session that sparked thought-provoking insights and questions. In the panel were renowned pulmonologist and University of the Philippines Professor Emeritus, Dr. Camilo Roa Jr., and Long COVID fighters, Ma. Rebecca “Becks” M. Galvez Tan and Roel A. Balignasay.
Raising Awareness on Long COVID, One Conversation at a Time
Limited data is available on the condition in the country. Its diagnosis and management remain challenging, especially for those unaware that COVID-19 can cause long-term symptoms. The discussion provided valuable insights into the nature of the disease, considering both its clinical features and patients’ lived experiences.
Mr. Roel Balignasay and Mrs. Becks Galvez Tan emphasized how the condition completely changed their lives.
“The most terrifying realization was that these symptoms never fully disappeared, even after testing negative for COVID,” Balignasay said. “The consistency and routine I had before were disrupted because of my exhaustion.” He emphasized that the disease affected most of his professional and daily life, forcing him to resign from work due to constant fatigue. It was an immense effort for him to manage his professional life while battling his symptoms.
For Becks Galvez Tan, post-COVID felt almost like death. She could no longer recognize her old self, as if it had completely vanished.
“I saw myself transition from an antelope to a tortoise to a snail….. I have cried a river for the loss of my old self.”
The e-book “The Saga Behind the Smile: My Long COVID Journey” can be accessed through this link: http://www.bit.ly/MyLongCovidJourney
“If a person is not back to their usual self after getting infected with COVID-19, they probably have Long COVID,” Dr. Roa said. He added that it can affect anyone, even those who had very mild COVID-19.
Moving Forward
Dr. Roa hopes that Long COVID will receive support similar to that of acute COVID. The exact number of Long COVID patients in the Philippines remains unknown. It is important to recognize that not everyone has access to the necessary care and information for the condition, and severe cases often lead to resource depletion and unemployment.
Forums like Long COVID Conversations aim to raise awareness within the health sector, as well, with the hope of helping create access to government services specific to post-COVID syndrome.
The success of the forum’s impactful discussion would not be possible without the unwavering support of several wellness partners:
- One World Deli
- Centro Holistico
- Luminisce Holistic Skin Innovations
- Better Snacks!
- Organica Nutrition
- M2 Malunggay Drink
- JZGalvezTan Health Associates Inc
- Joyful Grieving
