25/02/2026
๐๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐ซ๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ก ๐๐๐๐: ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ญ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ, ๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฐ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ฌ โค๏ธ
In the Philippines, February is designated as Heart Month by the virtue of Proclamation No. 1096, series of 1973. This month-long nationwide campaign aims to raise awareness about heart health, promote healthier lifestyle, and highlight the importance of early detection, prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
๐ The 2026 Cardiovascular Landscape:
โค Ischaemic heart disease accounts for 19% of total deaths nationwide.
โค 37% of adults have high blood pressure, yet only half are aware, and just 37% have it under control.
โค Among Filipino adults: 24.4% smoke, 37.9% consume alcohol, 58.7% engage in binge drinking, 46.9% are insufficiently active, 13.0% have elevated blood pressure, 17.3% are overweight and 39.8% are obese.
Government Efforts to Reduce, Prevent and Manage CVDs:
1. Philippine Package of Essential NCD Interventions (Phil PEN) on the Integrated
2. Management of Hypertension and Diabetes
3. Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2023-2028
4. Philippine Strategic Plan in Addressing Obesity and Other Metabolic Disorders
5. TransFat Elimination
6. To***co Regulation Act
๐กAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO) below are few practical steps towards a healthier heart.
โ
Eat a heart healthy diet - Eat a variety of foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts.
โ
If overweight, lose weight - Attain normal body weight through proper diet and moderate physical activity to maintain good health and help prevent obesity
โ
Increase regular physical activity to at least 2.5 hours per week - Physical activity contributes to improved blood pressure, improved levels of cholesterol and other blood lipids, and weight control. Adults are recommended to perform at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity spread throughout the week.
โ
Donโt use to***co - Quitting to***co use is the biggest gift of health you can give your heart and has immediate and long-term health benefits, including living up to 10 years longer.
โ
Avoid use of alcohol - Alcohol consumption has been linked to more than 200 disease and injury conditions, including cardiovascular diseases. Avoid drinking to protect your heart.
โ
Have your blood pressure and blood sugar checked regularly- Have your blood pressure and blood sugar be checked regularly by a health worker to maintain a healthy heart.
๐ช Protect Your Heart Today: Healthy diet, regular physical activity, limiting alcohol intake, and smoking cessation with regular check-ups are effective ways to keep our hearts strong. Follow the Pinggang Pinoy and 10 Kumainments for a longer and healthier life. Together, through collective responsibility and healthy life choices, we can reduce the burden of CVDs and build a healthier, stronger Philippinesโone heartbeat at a time.
Access the Full Article Here: https://tinyurl.com/NNC4APHHeartMonth2026
National Nutrition Council (Official)
Prepared by:
NO II Kyla C. Guarda, RND
NO III Theresa A. Rivas, RND, MPH
RNPC Lourdes Bulante-Orongan, RND, MDM