Outstanding work in CSR in healthcare recognized

Member companies of the PHAPCares Foundation were recognized for their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives during the first-ever Seal of Excellence Awards, held in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Medical Association (PMA).

The Seal of Excellence covers two categories – Seal of Excellence in Healthcare Awards and Seal of Excellence in Sustainability and Innovation Awards. Receiving the award affirms the members’ commitment to making a positive impact on healthcare in the Philippines.

“With the awarding of the first-ever Seal of Excellence, we celebrate the tireless efforts of our member companies, partners, the medical community, and the government in their unwavering commitment to provide quality, sustainable and innovative healthcare to all Filipinos,” said Lotis Ramin, PHAPCares President. “This marks a significant milestone for PHAPCares and for the nation. Let us continue to strive for excellence in healthcare, and work together towards a healthier future for our communities,” she added.

Present during the awarding were Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Undersecretary Frisco San Juan, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Assistant Secretary Florencio Bernabe Jr., DOH Health Promotion Bureau Program Management and Capacity Development Division Chief Dr. Miguel Angelo Mantaring, and PMA president Dr. Minerva Calimag were present to award the members.

“We hope that you continue to strive to improve the lives and health of Filipino communities. We know that the government cannot do it alone. We need your help and support. Together, we are stronger,” noted MMDA Usec. San Juan.

“It is humbling to know that we in the DOH are not alone in realizing our vision of Universal Health Care and a Healthy Pilipinas. We look forward to our collaborative partnership in ensuring that no Filipino is left behind,” said Dr. Mantaring, who is also the lead for the DOH Healthy Communities initiative.

Under the Seal of Excellence in Healthcare Awards category, members were awarded based on their participation or support for the priority programs or activities of the Foundation.

Bayer Philippines, Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines, PHILUSA Corporation, Roche Philippines, and Takeda Healthcare Philippines received the Seal of Excellence in Healthcare Award for their outstanding support to the Foundation’s programs and projects in the areas of sustainable healthcare, access to medicines, emergency response, and social development.

Under the Seal of Excellence in Sustainability & Innovation Awards, Members were also recognized for their exemplary initiatives that reflect sustainability and innovation in improving the lives and health of individual Filipinos and communities.

Roche Philippines, adjudged the overall winner, was awarded for its Mission Leapfrog Program which aims to accelerate the transformation in healthcare outcomes by aiming to achieve 2030 health systems today. The MLP focuses on the journey of breast and cervical cancer patients: mobilization and education, early screening, innovative diagnostics and treatment, laying the groundwork for a fully funded referral system, and institutionalizing a cancer program supported by policy or law.

AstraZeneca Philippines was also recognized for addressing the burden of noncommunicable diseases, such as lung cancer, type 2 diabetes, and asthma, as well as its innovative approach to fight against COVID-19. Among their programs are the Early Lung Cancer Acceleration Program, Act Now for Diabetes, and Juan Healthy Lung Philippines, aimed at improving access to comprehensive disease management and medicines through integrated healthcare solutions.

Boehringer Ingelheim, for its part, was recognized for its Acute Network Striving for Excellence in Stroke (ANGELS), helping hospitals become stroke-ready and enabling them to treat patients who have just suffered a stroke quickly and effectively. To date, the ANGELS Program has helped develop 26 acute stroke-ready hospitals nationwide and 10 public and private hospitals, including two in Visayas and Mindanao.

Merck Philippines was awarded for being the first company permitted and authorized to hold a fun-run post-pandemic in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) for a notable purpose. The event was aimed at promoting the health and well-being of the company’s employees; fostering inclusiveness within the company; and raising funds for the adoption of a science classroom in Taguig City.

Takeda Healthcare Philippines was recognized for its Access to Innovative Medicines Initiative to improve access to care and treatment, including the Spot Lymphoma, Stop Lymphoma campaign to generate awareness about the disease; its Patient Assistance Program providing financial assistance to over 500 patients; and free patient care training for 1,930 oncology nurses.

“We, at the Department of Interior and Local Government, fully support each one of you as you help transform the health and lives of the people living in communities. These activities under your core areas will boost and complement our own efforts at the DILG. We hope to see more organizations reflecting sustainability and innovation in making healthcare accessible to Filipinos and communities,” concluded Asec. Bernabe.

ADVT.