Taytay, Palawan – The Kuta Grounds was a sea of red on February 14, 2023, as locals gathered to support the Heart Health Awareness Day program with the theme “Malusog na Puso, Para sa Malusog na Pamumuhay Mo! (Pag-eehersisyo, pagkain ng gulay at prutas araw-arawin, matamis at mamantika hinay-hinayin)” The event was organized by the Municipal Health Office (MHO) and attended by various national agencies and local government employees in Taytay.

The program started with screenings for blood pressure and fasting blood sugar, which were well-attended even before the sun rose. It was followed by the main event, which opened with a message from Municipal Health Officer Dan A. Del Rosario, MD. Maria Lucia R. Rodriguez, the Punong Barangay of Poblacion, also shared her message of support for the program, emphasizing that a healthy community starts with healthy individuals. This sentiment was echoed by Sangguniang Bayan Member Committee on Health, Delia M. Signo.

The audience was also inspired by the motivational message from Municipal Mayor, Christian V. Rodriguez, urging everyone to participate in government programs and prioritize their health, as well as the reminder from Provincial Non-Communicable Disease Coordinator, Ms. Trixia Roy, on the habits to avoid and adopt to improve heart health. The Health Education Program Officer, Ms. Danica Umapas, was also present.

The program ended with a fun and energizing Zumba session led by the MHO staff. In addition, a PhilPEN assessment and enrollment for the Hypertension and Diabetic Club was conducted at the Municipal Health Office. Overall, the Heart Health Awareness Day program was a success, bringing attention to the importance of heart health in achieving a healthy life.