Press Release
August 28, 2006

ANGARA DONATES P500k FOR DIABETES AWARENESS

To support an information and awareness drive geared towards the prevention of diabetes, Senator Edgardo J. Angara donated half a million pesos to the recently launched American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE)Philippines Chapter on Saturday night at the Ayala Museum .

Diabetes is the 9th leading cause of death in the Philippines , affecting 1 out of 25 Filipinos, and yet diabetes awareness is shockingly low among our public, Angara lamented. The disease affects 3.36 million Filipinos today. In less than 20 years, that number is expected to rise to about 8 million unless we are able to curb it by making people more conscious of their diet and lifestyle.

The best way to control the rising diabetes incidence in the country is through lifestyle change. But first, there must be awareness at the very grassroots level. Hence the need for intensive information and prevention measures, he said.

AACE is an advocacy association of clinical endocrinologists, with the Philippine chapter being the first in Southeast Asia . Its new president, Dr. George B. Tan trained at the Makati Medical Center under the tutelage of Dr. Augusto D. Litonjua, known as the father of Philippine endocrinology.

Through his donation, Angara also paid tribute to Dr. Litonjua who was awarded for his pioneer work in endocrinology, especially in the prevention and cure of diabetes.

I am honored to know Dr. Litonjuaa foremost clinician, professor emeritus, founder of endocrine societies and an outstanding citizen, said Angara , who knew Litonjua from his UP days. During his term as President of UP, Angara rebuilt the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).

Reiterating his call for diabetes awareness, Angara said, Filipinos, great food lovers that we are, become aware of the complications of our diets and lifestyle only when disease strikes. The incidence of diabetes in the country is about 40%, and there could be another 40% who may have diabetes but do not know it. Diabetes, coupled with heart disease, causes strokes and is indeed a silent killer.

Angara is the author of landmark health laws including the PhilHealth Law, the Magna Carta for Health Workers and the Generics Law. He also wrote the Senior Citizens Act, the Nursing Act and the Breastfeeding Act.

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