ON LOVE MONTH, LA UNION PUMPS UP CAMPAIGN FOR A HEALTHY HEART

February 22, 2025 Provincial

SAN FERNANDO, La Union

As people indulged in sweet moments of love this February, the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) amplified its efforts to promote cardiovascular health among its constituents. It underscored its various programs and activities to raise awareness on heart diseases and provide basic medical intervention for common related ailments such as hypertension. Through her PUSO Agenda, Governor Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David
emphasizes that health is at the center of her leadership.

“We emphasize on PUSO because our hearts beat together for public service excellence,” said Gov. Rafy. PUSO stands for People-Centered and Driven Governance, Universal Access to Basic Needs, Sustainable and
Progressive Economy, and Orderly, Sustainable, and Resilient Component Local Government Units. La Union
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Herminigildo Velasco said that the celebration of Valentine’s Day serves as an opportune time to drumbeat the local  government’ s initiatives for a ‘healthy heart.’

To reduce the risk of heart diseases, the provincial government has been persistent in the conduct of community-based health services through its AYAT Medical Mission. In 2024, the PGLU, through the Provincial Health Office (PHO), conducted 39 medical missions, reaching out to barangays. They have catered to 6,134 individuals, 57% of which come from marginalized and vulnerable sectors residing in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas.

The PHO also distributes free medicines for hypertension and other related diseases. These include Losartan,
Amlodipine, Trimetazidine, Carvedilol and Clopidigrel. The PHO noted a decrease in deaths related to heart
illnesses among La Union constituents. Based on the data collected from rural health units, the number of these deaths dipped to 664 in 2024, from 1,369 in 2023. There’s also a decline among individuals who were afflicted with cardiovascular ailments: down to 19,195 in 2023 from 20,872 in 2023.

Among the most common cardiovascular causes of deaths are myocardial infarction, hypertension, and cardiopulmonary arrest. “While the numbers are still a concern, the reduction is a hopeful indication of the results of
our health governance,” said Dr. Velasco. The PHO remains resolute in its actions as data reveals that heart diseases have affected the younger population in the province – with one patient aged 9 years old. In response, the PHO also intensified its healthy heart campaign in schools and universities. One such is through the Department of Health’s Pinggang Pinoy, a nutrition guide that promotes balanced and healthy diet.

“Poor eating habits is one of the leading causes of heart diseases, that is why we should teach the children how to eat healthy,” said Dr. Velasco. Other causes are sedentary lifestyle and other risk factors such as smoking or vaping. Gov. Rafy affirmed her administration’s strong support for development programs that will promote the overall health and well-being of every Kaprobinsyanihan (constituents). “Here in La Union, we always say, ‘I love La Union,’ and so we should take care of the health of our hearts so that we can continue to love each other and love La Union,” Gov. Rafy quipped.

PGLU-PIO