Life After Diagnosis: TGP and PCEDM Empower Filipinos to Live Better with Diabetes

Living with diabetes doesn’t mean stopping your life. With the right guidance, habits, and support, Filipinos can live healthier and fuller even after diagnosis. This World Diabetes Day, TGP and PCEDM team up to bring reliable diabetes education to communities nationwide so more families can stay informed and take control of their health.

So paano na kapag may diabetes ka na? Magbabago ba ang buhay mo? Mahirap ba?

These are the questions many Filipinos ask after receiving a diabetes diagnosis. It’s a chronic condition that can lead to serious complications if unmanaged, but with the right guidance, life doesn’t have to stop.

A Growing Health Concern Among Filipinos

According to the Department of Health, an estimated 4.3 million Filipinos are living with diabetes, making it one of the leading causes of death in the country.

Globally, the World Health Organization reports that diabetes causes around 1.5 million deaths every year. The Western Pacific Region, which includes the Philippines, continues to see a steady rise in cases.

While these numbers may seem alarming, they also highlight an important truth: diabetes is manageable. With proper education, timely consultation, and consistent treatment, Filipinos can continue to live long, productive lives even after diagnosis.

TOP (L-R): Dr. Jay Fonte – PCEDM Board Member, Dr. Karla Kristine Fernando – PCEDM Board Member, Dr. Celeste Ramos – PCEDM Board Member, Dr. Daveric Pagsisihan – PCEDM Board Member, Dr. Monica Therese Cating-Cabral – PCEDM Treasurer, Gladys Abaday – TGP Brand Communications Manager, Dr. Aurora Macaballug, PCEDM Past President, Dr. Andres Ebison Jr. - PCEDM Board Member

BOTTOM (L-R): Dr. Jerome Barrera – PCEDM Secretary,  Dr. Elaine Cunanan – PCEDM Vice President, Dr. Lora May Tan-Tin Hay – PCEDM President, Aileen Natividad – TGP Deputy General Manager, Joanne Arceo – RRHI Drugstore Segment, Group General Manager, Abet Chao – TGP AVP Merchandising

Living Better, Not Just Longer

Experts from the Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism(PCEDM) emphasize that successful diabetes management begins with simple, sustainable habits. Their long-running IWAS: 4Dapat Diabetes Campaign highlights four key steps:

• Ikonsulta sa doktor
• Wastong pagkain
• Aktibong pamumuhay
• Sapat at angkop na gamot

These principles encourage early diagnosis, balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and adherence to proper medication—all essential to improving life after a diabetes diagnosis.

TGP and PCEDM Join Forces for Better Diabetes Education

To make reliable diabetes information more accessible nationwide, The Generics Pharmacy(TGP) has partnered with PCEDM through a newly signed Memorandum of Agreement between TGP Deputy General Manager Aileen Natividad and PCEDM President Dr. Lora May Tan-Tin Hay.

The partnership aims to strengthen diabetes awareness, prevention, and management efforts by combining TGP’s wide community reach with PCEDM’s medical expertise.

“This partnership reinforces our mission to make healthcare more accessible and reliable for every Filipino. By working hand-in-hand with PCEDM’s advocacies and medical expertise, we aim to bridge the gap between awareness and action when it comes to diabetes prevention,” said Natividad.

Dr. Tan-Tin Hay adds, “Through this collaboration, we want Filipinos to know that life after a diabetes diagnosis is still full of hope and possibilities with the right care, education, and support.”

Empowering Communities Nationwide

Together, TGP and PCEDM will launch advocacy initiatives across digital, in-store, and community-based platforms. These include expert-led discussions and on-ground health engagements designed to guide Filipinos toward better diabetes habits.

TGP will also boost the reach and visibility of PCEDM’s educational materials through its extensive retail network and online channels.

The campaign officially kicks off this World Diabetes Day, November 14, with a call for Filipinos to take charge of their health and embrace a more informed, proactive lifestyle.