POE FILES RESOLUTION TO FIGHT DIABETES AMONG CHILDREN

Sen. Grace Poe has filed a resolution urging the Senate committee on health and demography to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the reported prevalence of diabetes among Filipino children toward amending laws to combat the disease.

In her Senate Resolution No. 236, Poe cited a significant increase in the number of Filipino children and teenagers with diabetes, which threatens the nation's well-being and human capital.

"The prevalence of diabetes among adults in the last 10 years is very alarming, and it is now becoming widespread among children today," Poe's resolution stated.

"We call for the timely review of the National Diabetes Act to effectively control the disease affecting our most vulnerable children," Poe emphasized.

The Philippine Diabetes Association reported that the disease is not only affecting the middle-aged group, but also elementary and high school students. At the same time, the Philippine Society of Pediatric Metabolism and Endocrinology estimated that at least eight percent of Filipino children could be diabetic.

The Philippine Center for Diabetes Foundation also cited that the disease is so complex and demanding that proper education becomes an important and integral part of treatment, Poe's resolution stressed.

"We need to review current government efforts and ensure adequate legislation to address this menace and protect our children," Poe said.