ANGARA BACKS INCLUSION OF DIABETES MODULES
IN PRIMARY EDUCATION

Senator Edgardo J. Angara today said that he will continue to support the movement for the inclusion of diabetes modules in the 6th grade curriculum of both private and public schools in the country.

The Power of Prevention Through Fitness and Nutrition (POPTFN) program aims to educate young students on obesity and its complications such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This program was spearheaded five years ago by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) Philippine Chapter, Diabetes Philippines and biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca.

The POPTFN, endorsed by Angara, was able to raise awareness among thousands of students, teachers and parents around the country. "The number of Filipinos diagnosed with diabetes is rising each year, including children as young as 8 or 9. It is important that we teach our children and their parents about this illness so that they would know how to spot the early signs or perhaps avoid diabetes altogether," said Angara.

Angara, proponent of the PhilHealth Law which revolutionized health insurance in the Philippines, is now pursuing the Children's Health Insurance Bill and the Child Nutrition Act.

"These bills are geared towards our younger citizens. Pre-school and school-age children among the poorer sectors are consistently undernournished, usually foregoing healthcare to put more of their resources on food consumption," said Angara.

In the UNICEF's State of the World's Children 2009 report, the Philippines is among the 68 countries with the most maternal, neonatal and child health deaths. Another report showed that 3 out of 10 Filipino children have not received the recommended vaccinations.

"We should improve our present health care system if we are to achieve the country's vision of universal primary health care services. It is necessary that we direct our efforts towards sectors that need the most attention, such as the elderly and the children," added Angara.