As misinformation on social media continues to influence health decisions, patient organizations in the Philippines are stepping up efforts to provide credible information and encourage Filipinos to consult healthcare professionals, particularly as cardio-renal-metabolic (CRM) diseases continue to rise.
From misleading claims about PhilHealth benefits to fad diets and disease myths, inaccurate health information has become increasingly common online. In response, patient groups are producing expert-led podcasts, livestreaming educational forums, and organizing community discussions that give patients direct access to doctors and health experts.
Marimel Lamsin of the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO) said their organization makes it a point to address misinformation by providing information straight from reliable sources.
‘When there are issues involving PhilHealth that need clarification, we invite PhilHealth officials to our podcast so they can explain them directly,’ she said. ‘That way, people hear verified information instead of relying on rumors or myths.’
Battleground vs misinformation
For the Kidney Transplant Association of the Philippines (KITAP), social media has also become a battleground against misinformation, particularly on nutrition and kidney health.
Abraham B. Mirandilla Jr., KITAP president, said patients frequently encounter conflicting advice online about diets and lifestyle practices.
‘Sa Facebook kasi maraming information like diet after 6 p.m. or kakain ka dapat ng ganito [There is so much information on Facebook about dieting after 6 p.m. or what people should eat],’ he said. ‘Our advice is simple: go back to your doctor and ask.’
Lamsin and Mirandilla were among the patient advocates who participated in ‘Kapihan at Ugnayan: Usapang Kidneys, Puso at Metabolismo,’ a dialogue that brought together patient organizations, members of the media, and representatives of Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines Inc. (BIPHI).
The discussions underscored the growing burden of CRM diseases in the country and highlighted the importance of early detection, regular screening, healthier lifestyles, and improved access to integrated, patient-centered care.
The growing burden of CRM diseases
Cardio-renal-metabolic (CRM) diseases refer to interconnected conditions affecting the heart, kidneys, and metabolic system, including cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes. Because these conditions share common risk factors, experts say they often develop together and can accelerate one another’s progression if left unmanaged.
Globally, CRM diseases affect more than one billion people and are responsible for up to 20 million deaths annually, making them among the leading causes of death worldwide.
In the Philippines, these diseases continue to pose a growing public health challenge, driven by gaps in early detection, health literacy, and access to integrated, patient-centered care. Health advocates stressed that improving awareness and encouraging regular screening remain critical to reducing preventable complications.
C Recognizing the important role of patient organizations in improving health literacy, Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines launched ‘IMPACT at Kapihan,’ a capacity-building program designed to strengthen the communication and media engagement skills of patient advocates.
The initiative equips participants with the tools to tell their stories responsibly and effectively while helping the public better understand the connection between heart, kidney, and metabolic diseases.
Jackielyn Cortez, Head of Market Access and Healthcare Affairs at BIPHI, said the program was designed to empower advocates who already possess compelling personal experiences but need support in communicating them to wider audiences.
‘The goal is to help them put their stories together and empower them to share these experiences in a way that resonates with the public while remaining true to the advocacy of their organizations,’ she said.
Participants also learned from seasoned patient advocates with experience engaging policymakers, healthcare professionals, and fellow patient organizations to advance patient-centered care.
Patients at the center of care
Dr. Greta Cortez, Head of Medicine at BIPHI, said patient voices have become increasingly important as CRM diseases continue to affect more Filipinos.
‘They are the core of everything we do,’ she said. ‘For a long time, patients have not had the opportunity to tell their stories. Now is the time to let their voices be heard.’
She added that listening to the experiences of people living with CRM diseases provides valuable insights that can strengthen awareness campaigns and encourage others to seek medical attention before complications develop.
For Lamsin, however, improving health outcomes requires more than patient advocacy alone. She emphasized the need for collaboration among patients, healthcare providers, government agencies, and the private sector to build stronger and more effective health education programs.
‘No single sector can do this alone,’ she said, noting that a unified voice carries greater influence in promoting healthier communities.
‘Know your numbers’
Lamsin’s message to the public was straightforward: ‘Know your numbers.’
She said regularly monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar, and kidney function allows diseases to be detected early, when treatment is often more effective and complications can still be prevented.
Patient advocates also encouraged Filipinos to take advantage of free screening programs offered by government agencies and private organizations. Simple laboratory tests, including the urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR), can detect early signs of kidney damage even before symptoms appear, allowing patients to receive timely intervention and improve long-term health outcomes.