THE Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region today launched the “Proteksyon Para sa Altapresyon” (PPSA) Program in the Province of Ilocos Sur to strengthen the fight against high blood pressure or hypertension in communities.
The PPSA Program is a government health initiative that helps Filipinos prevent and control high blood pressure through early screening, proper treatment, healthy lifestyle promotion, incl;uding accessible primary health care services. The program aims to prevent serious complications such as stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, blindness, and premature death.
Guest of Honor and OIC Assistant Regional Director Rosario P. Pamintuan encouraged the public to actively participate in the program and prioritize heart health.
“High blood pressure can affect anyone and often develops without warning signs. Through the Proteksyon Para sa Altapresyon Program, we want every Filipino to understand the importance of regular blood pressure check-ups, healthy living, and continuous treatment.”
“We encourage families and communities to work together in preventing hypertension and protecting loved ones from stroke, heart disease, and other complications,” she stated.
Hypertension, commonly called “altapresyon,” is known as a “silent killer” because many people do not feel symptoms until complications already occur.
Paminutan explained that Ilocos Sur was selected as the pilot province for Region I because of its strong commitment to improving community health services and preventing non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
The province will serve as the model area for the initial implementation of the PPSA Program, while other provinces in the Ilocos Region are expected to adopt the initiative beginning 2027 to 2028.
Under the program, health workers and local government units will strengthen blood pressure screening, improve access to medicines and treatment, promote healthy lifestyles, and ensure regular monitoring of patients with hypertension.
Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) will play an important frontline role in the program through house-to-house blood pressure screening, health education, patient follow-up, and community awareness activities.
City and Municipal Health Officers will also lead the implementation of the program at the local level to ensure that communities receive proper hypertension prevention and treatment services.
The Department of Health calls on all residents of the Ilocos Region to maintain a healthy lifestyle, undergo regular blood pressure checks, and support community efforts in preventing hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
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