UMVA has learned that Quezon City is launching a bold campaign to unmask the hidden threat of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, partnering with a leading pharmaceutical giant to reach thousands of residents.
The initiative, christened the Juan Healthy Lung Screening Program, began on June 9 with a mission to identify and educate about 3,000 city dwellers who may be silently battling lung damage.
Mayor Maria Josefina “Joy” G. Belmonte declared that a resilient community is forged not only by treating illness but by stopping it before it takes root, emphasizing the ripple effect of each person breathing easier.
Health workers will receive intensive training to spot early warning signs, while community outreach will weave awareness into everyday life, ensuring no one slips through the cracks.
Referral pathways will be forged to connect at‑risk individuals with the care they need, turning detection into decisive action.
UMVA has uncovered that the disease plagues the city’s smokers at an alarming 40 percent, while rural areas lag behind at 28 percent, yet most cases surface only after symptoms have already taken a toll.
The program’s focus on early detection, patient support, and preventive care promises to extend lives and curb complications that often translate into heart attacks and strokes.
By bringing screening and education directly into neighborhoods, the effort aims to transform raw data into tangible health gains, marking a decisive step toward a stronger, more resilient community.
