“As a global organization of over 120 years, we commit ourselves to really doing what patients need next, not just in research but by way of assistance. In reality, while we
produce medicines, what we do not understand is what else goes on inside a
patient’s mind. And to be honest, while we aim for better outcomes physically,
what they truly need is to be strong for someone. Our patients need our strength
as well.”~Dr. Theresa Martinez, Roche (Phils) Inc. General Manager.
(from L-R) Dr. Clarito Cairo, Cancer Program Manager for DOH; Dr. Hiyasmin Alejandro, Chair of Multimedia Committee of PH Society of Medical Oncology; Dr. Marilucel Aganon from PCSO; Celebrity Vlogger Wil Dasovich; Aileen Antolin, VP & trustee for Program Development of Phil. Foundation for Breast Cancer Inc.; and Dr. Diana Edralin, Country Medical Director of Roche (Phils.) Inc.
In the battle against cancer, it's easier to be strong when you are STRONG FOR SOMEONE. Cancer is strong, but the fight against it is stronger, especially when there are people around us to battle this brutal disease with. In the Philippines, cancer poses major staggering challenges that menace so many Filipinos. Aside from being the second leading cause of mortality, many patients cry out financial setbacks from the hefty cost of treatment and the emotional torment along the battle journey.
Strong for Someone
Roche (Philippines) Inc. coordinated with different groups, including Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO), a professional non-profit organization of Medical Oncologists that aims to advance the science and ethical, holistic practice of cancer care in the Philippines. This organization of doctors serves as the pillar in providing education on the latest treatment solutions and information available for cancer patients. Launched its Strong for Someone as the market leader in oncology in the Philippines. It is a great campaign that offers support for all Filipinos diagnosed with cancer, offering to provide so much for cancer patients, both financially and emotionally (monetary funds + support groups). Many of us are unaware that one of the most important things that could help someone get through the tough experience during battling with cancer was SUPPORT, unfortunately not available for everyone who gets diagnosed with the disease. Strong for Someone advocacy aims to inspire and ignite strength among cancer patients and their families by creating a nationwide community that will serve as their pillars of support. Strong for Someone is a multi-stakeholder campaign that provides access to information for cancer patients, caregivers, and their families on disease awareness, treatment solutions, funding sources, and emotional support.
(L-R) Aileen Antolin, Vice President and Trustee for Program Development Philippine Foundation for Breast Cancer Inc.,; Wil Dasovich, Strong for Someone Ambassador Cancer Survivor; Jojo Flores, Cancer Survivor, and Advocate.
Cancer is
strong, but the fight against it is stronger, especially when there are people
around us to battle this brutal disease with.
The Strong for Someone advocacy emphasizes that the fight in keeping cancer at bay is plausible with the right medical expertise, timely healthcare interventions and cutting edge pharmaceutical solutions; by making a life-saving solution available; and by forming a support system whose listening ears and helping hands will serve as a moral compass for the patient.
Besting treatment solutions
But Roche (Phils) Inc. country manager director Dr. Diana Edralin said many cancer-stricken patients abruptly bailout from undergoing treatment procedure due to personal reasons, availability of medicine or they just simply choose to concede in the battle. This is because they are not served with more comprehensive and in-depth information on the treatments and other options that they make take.
To address this concern, the organization coordinated with the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO), a professional non-profit organization of medical oncologists that aims to advance the science and ethical, holistic practice of cancer care in the Philippines. They also help to provide education on the latest treatment solutions and information available for cancer patients.
“We want our approach to be more on giving patients informed decision. Before we decide on doing or undergoing any particular treatment, they should at least have an informed decision. Gather all information they can get that are validated and from reliable sources and then decide. We advocate the choice of patients, but still, as clinicians, we want the best for our patients.”~Dr. Hiyasmin Alejandro, PSMO Chair of Multimedia Committee
Strong for Someone
Financial access
As one of the most financially catastrophic illnesses, Roche (Phils) Inc. tapped the support of the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to share both existing and upcoming programs that will lessen the financial burden among cancer patients and their families.
DOH Cancer Program Manager Dr. Clarito Cairo said the health sector has rolled out financial assistance programs for Filipino cancer patients and is continually working to widen its access sites in the coming months to help more cancer patients and survivors.
“Even before the enactment of the cancer law, we have the medical assistance program in 2017 and we have the medicine access program since 2011 for breast cancer, childhood cancer, and colorectal cancer. For medical assistance program, we cover the diagnostic and therapeutic expenses.”~Dr. Clarito Cairo, DOH Cancer Program Manager
Dr. Cairo said with the signing of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act, the DOH assistance programs will soon be scaled up and institutionalized for better accessibility, health outcomes and reduced financial burden.
PCSO also provides financial assistance under its Individual Medical Assistance Program. According to PCSO representative Dr. Marilucel Aganon, cancer patients can apply and avail of financial assistance from the organization anywhere in the country as long as they secure a complete copy of the required documents.
Moral support
Strong for Someone is also endorsed by no less than television personality, model, and vlogger, Wil Dasovich, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2017; but with the help and support of family and community, he was able to fight the disease. He serves as proof that a strong support group helps a cancer patient battle the disease better and stronger.
“While we recognize that better outcomes for patients are expected as new treatments are discovered and become available in the market, we also believe in the importance of the collective resolve of the patient’s support system to not give up and to be strong for each other. Each cancer patient needs to have pillars of support: their families, their doctors, other patients, government institutions, private organizations. We are here to bridge them together.”~Edgar de las Alas, Campaign Lead from Roche
With this campaign, Roche, together with its partners and ambassador, aims to bring out strength from a network and community by using platforms that would further increase awareness on the advocacy campaign. These include videos and an interactive community page that will present cancer patient stories of survivorship to serve as an anthem of strength between patient and their loved ones. These channels will also serve as sources of information, engagement, and build connections from patients, doctors, support groups, and institutions that can help provide financial support.
Strong for Someone
Strong for Someone
Strong for Someone
I encourage you to join the Strong for Someone FB page and be a part of this community. And to everyone who has battled or is currently going through a great challenge, my prayers go out to both you and your family. ❤️
If you’re battling the big C or you’re supporting someone who is, join the Strong for Someone community and let us help you stay strong in this fight. Let us realize how important it is to be #StrongforSomeone.
“Having a child with Down Syndrome has been one of the most remarkable experiences for me, as well as for countless parents and families. Some experiences can be so powerful that they have long-lasting and life-changing impacts on our lives. The Happy Walk is certainly one of the biggest events that continues to make beautiful stories for families to enjoy, to have fun, to be with one another, to treasure.”~Mr. Elmer F. Lapeña, DSAPI Chairman
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
On its 17th year, last February 24, 2019, Happy Walk continues to promote awareness and inclusivity for Persons with Down syndrome took place at the SMX Convention Center, Manila, gathered by an estimated 6,000 attendees comprised of families, schools, supporters, advocates, and SM employees, celebrated the triumphant life stories of people with Down Syndrome and their friends, and as well as private and public sectors supporting the advocacy.
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
SM Cares is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Its advocacies include Programs on Persons with Disabilities, Children and Youth, Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Environment Sustainability, Senior Citizens, and Overseas Filipino Workers (SM Global Pinoy).
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
The event featured performances from children affected with the condition, celebrity performances, and fun interactive booths. A parade around the SM Mall of Asia complex followed after the program allowing children with Down Syndrome, together with their families, to interact with the shoppers and tenants of the mall.
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
Happy Walk was held in celebration of the National Syndrome Consciousness Month and is an annual activity that promotes awareness, acceptance, and inclusivity of persons with Down Syndrome into society. Happy Walk was organized by the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI), in partnership with SM Cares.
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
The event was graced by Hans Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings together with US Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Sung Kim and Ambassador designate for the Royal Thai Embassy, H.E. Vasin Ruangprateepsaeng, who have both long supported the advocacies of SM and DSAPI.
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
“At SM, we recognize the ever-changing needs of the members of the community where we are present, and the more we celebrate our relationship with groups like DSAPI, the more that we understand what needs to be developed in making a welcoming mall, including persons with disability.” ~Bien Mateo, SVP of SM Supermalls and Director for SM Cares Program on PWDs
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
The Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI) is a non-stock, non-profit organization, founded in 1991 by a group of dedicated and committed parents and concerned physicians. It aims to offer support to families who have a child with Down Syndrome and to initiate, develop, promote, encourage and support programs and projects concerning Down Syndrome.
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Living with DOWN. This is my Story!
“Our job in cleaning-up our surrounding can only be done or finish when people become disciplined enough to properly dispose of their garbage and help in the waste management of their communities.”~Sen. Cynthia Villar, Senate Committee Chairperson on Environment & Natural Resources
Thousands of Filipinos joined the International Coastal Cleanup last September 29, 2018, and was able to remove hundreds of thousands of kilograms of trash from entering our oceans. There is still a lot of work to be done. In order to truly solve this trash problem we need to tackle the trash at the source, and that is us. Let us all move towards a #WorldWithoutWaste.
In 2017, the Philippines ranked #1 with the most number of volunteers. The Philippines ranks as the third biggest contributor to plastic wastes in the ocean. Plastics are an ever-growing issue affecting seas around the world. Not only are plastic objects mistaken by marine creatures as food (which, in many cases, is fatal), but when exposed to the sun, they also leak harmful substances that cause fish and coral reef death.
The event aspires to gather like-minded individuals and companies who want to do their part in protecting our environment where they can share their ideas and collaborate with others to grow and expand their respective projects. It is about inspiring each other to continue their advocacy and spread their passion and love for our planet, our only home. It will serve as a platform that will provide the public with a better understanding of the various environmental issues we’re currently facing and finding solutions for a more sustainable future.
“Now is the time to be more active and challenge the norms. Use your creativity and be possitive with your approaches. There are many solutions out there, we just need to put our heads together.”~Bert Guevarra, Vice President of PARMS
This is the 4th Summit that will was held in Subic Bay and has always been focused on the new generation - millennials, the most powerful force of our future. If we want to change the world for the better, there has to be a change in people's behaviour. "Change Heroes" is this years theme a change for the youth to be an instrument for change, to spark social consciousness formation towards social change, changing the way we view the world, unleashing our inner heroes, and become better builder of our nation.
This event is organized by:
The Lighthouse Marina Resort Legacy Foundation
Make a Difference (MAD) Travel and the Philippine COast Guard Auxiliary
Co-Presented by Coca-Cola Philippines
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority
Official Partner:
The Lighthouse Marina Resort Legacy Foundation
Globe Telecoms as the official Connectivity Partner
In cooperation with the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability
Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce
International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians
Miss Scuba Philippines
UP Marine Biological Ociety
Dakila
Seed4com
Oceana Philippines
Supported by:
Provincial Government of Zambales
Municipl of Olongapo and Provincial Government of Bataan
Departnemnt of Environment and Natural Resources
National Coast Watch Council
Department of Tourism
Philippine Coast Guard
PNP Maritime Group
Department of Interior and Local Government
National Youth Commission
Sponsored by:
Ayala Harbor Point Mall
Anvaya Cove
PLDT Subictel
Think + Talk Creative Communications
VitalStrats Creative Solutions
Standard Insurance and Nanofixit
There is so much more to learn as there have been a lot of speakers who shared their knowledge and expertise on how can we minimize our trash. Participated by more than 100 countries across the globe including the Philippines. A common goal of collecting and documenting the trash littering the coastline.
“According to the world economic forum, we do not need to ban plastic, we just need to start using it properly. But just to add, we also need to dispose of it properly at the end of its life.”~Crispian Lao, President of PARMS
The event aspires to gather like-minded individuals and companies who want to do their part in protecting our environment where they can share their ideas and collaborate with others to grow and expand their respective projects. It is about inspiring each other to continue their advocacy and spread their passion and love for our planet, our only home. It will serve as a platform that will provide the public with a better understanding of the various environmental issues we’re currently facing and finding solutions for a more sustainable future.
In 2017, the Philippines ranked #1 with the most number of volunteers. Zambales is the Top 1 province with the number of volunteers!
