The Bohol Medical Society (BMS). together with the entire Philippine Medical Association kicked off National Medicine Week with a series of activities aimed at raising awareness on public health and promoting community wellness. This year’s celebration, themed “Kalusugan ng Bansa, Responsibilidad ng Bawat Isa” (The Nation’s Health is Everyone’s Responsibility). features a variety of events designed to engage the public, educate communities. and encourage environmental sustainability.
Key Events for National Medicine Week
1. Fun Run for Health To open the weeklong event is the Fun Run, scheduled for September 22 (Sunday). Open to participants of all ages, the run is intended to promote the benefits of physical fitness in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The proceeds from the event will be donated to local health initiatives, including BMS’s ongoing rehabilitation of its building.
Dr. Maria April Froilan, Vice-President of the Bohol Medical Society and Chair of the Medicine Week, emphasized the importance of physical activity in disease prevention, saying. “Through this fun run, we hope to remind people that even small steps toward fitness can have a big impact on their overall health”
2. Health and Wellness Lectures
Throughout the week, the BMS has organized a series of lectures focusing on various health topics. These include sessions on.
- HIV Awareness and Testing: Done in partnership with the Gov Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center, this lecture is a part of the ongoing advocacy of the society in battling an ongoing health threat in the province. Free HIV testing will also be done on-site
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Management Experts will talk about updates and optimization in COPD management
- Chronic Pain Management and Stem Cell Enhancement Therapy: Our speaker will present innovative approaches to treating chronic pain through regenerative medicine.
Dr Reina Jane Demandante, BMS Secretary leads an information drive against dengue in Tubigon, Bohol.
3. Mangrove Planting Initiative
In line with this year’s theme of shared responsibility, the BMS has also scheduled a Mangrove Planting Activity to highlight the connection between environmental sustainability and public health. Set for September 25, the event will take place in Dauis, Bohol, where volunteers from the medical community, local government, and various organizations will plant mangroves to help preserve coastal ecosystems and combat the effects of climate change.
4. Dengue Awareness and Prevention Day
Given the rise in dengue cases, the BMS has dedicated an entire day of National Medicine Week to Dengue Awareness and Prevention. Scheduled for September 26, a radio informa- tion drive led by pediatrician and former BMS president Dr Ria Teresita Maslog will help strengthen the ongoing efforts by the society in its campaign against dengue
The BMS has partnered with local government units, schools, and non-government organizations to broaden the reach of this year’s events. Governor Erico Aumentado and Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap have both expressed their support for the medical society’s initiatives.
As the 67th National Medicine Week unfolds, the Bohol Med- ical Society reiterates the importance of unity in addressing the country’s healthcare challenges. By working together, they believe that achieving better health for all is not just a goal but a shared responsibility.
For more information on the week’s activities or how to par- ticipate, the public is encouraged to visit the BMS FB page or contact their office at +63 9308940091.