Taytay residents are taking proactive steps toward better kidney health as the local government, in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines and with the support of Angat Taytay, expands community-based screening and education for chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Often developing without noticeable symptoms, CKD can remain undetected until the condition has already progressed. An estimated 13 million Filipinos, or 11.2% of the population, are living with CKD, highlighting the importance of early screening and timely intervention.
Through the “Iwas Dialysis, Ligtas Kidneys: Get CheCKD Habang Maaga Pa!” program, the Municipality of Taytay is bringing kidney health services closer to residents. Implemented under the leadership of the Municipal Government of Taytay and in coordination with barangay officials, health centers, and community groups, the initiative aims to help residents understand their kidney health, identify potential risks early, and take preventive action.
The program also supports the goals of the Universal Healthcare Act (RA 11223) by strengthening primary and preventive healthcare at the community level and making essential health services more accessible to Filipino families.
“Sa Taytay, naniniwala tayo na ang tunay na malasakit ay hindi lang nakikita sa paggagamot, kundi sa maagap na pag-iwas sa sakit. Ang kidney disease ay madalas tahimik, kaya mahalagang mailapit ang libreng screening sa ating mga kababayan. Kapag maaga nating natutukoy ang panganib, mas marami tayong buhay na napoprotektahan at mas maraming pamilyang naiiwasan sa mabigat na gastusin at pagdurusa,” said Taytay Mayor Allan De Leon.
In just two months, the initiative has reached nearly 4,000 residents across the municipality. Screening activities have been conducted at the Taytay Municipal Hall and in barangays Sta. Ana, San Juan, San Isidro, and Dolores, as well as in communities including Sitio Batasin, Montevista Subdivision, and Cielito Homes II. Other screening venues have included SM Taytay, schools, police stations, and fishports.
The program demonstrates how collaboration among local government units, community organizations, healthcare providers, and private-sector partners can make preventive healthcare more accessible while encouraging residents to take action before health concerns become more serious.
“The best healthcare is the illness that never happens. Prevention is the most compassionate and cost-effective investment any local government can make. Kidney disease is often a silent condition, and through preventive screening, we give our residents something more valuable than medicine—we give them time, knowledge, and the chance to act early. A healthier community is ultimately a stronger and more resilient Taytay,” said Dr. Aldwin Aguinaldo, Municipal Health Officer of Taytay.
For Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines, the initiative reflects its commitment to improving access to early detection and strengthening community-based healthcare.
“Early detection can make a meaningful difference in chronic kidney disease, and it begins with improving access to screening in communities that need it most. At Boehringer Ingelheim, we are committed to improving health outcomes by working with local governments, community organizations, and healthcare providers to bring kidney health education and screening closer to more Filipinos, empowering them to take action early,” said Dr. Greta Cortez, Head of Medicine, Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines.
The partnership will continue providing Taytay residents with opportunities to learn about their kidney health through upcoming community screening activities in August. Scheduled locations include Brgy. San Isidro, Brgy. Dolores, SM Taytay, Sitio Tagumpay, and Sitio Bayabas.
Upcoming screening schedules are:
- August 8–30: Brgy. San Isidro
- August 9–29: Brgy. Dolores
- August 23: Sitio Tagumpay
- August 29: Sitio Bayabas Purok 1
- August 30: Sitio Bayabas Purok 5
Through “Iwas Dialysis, Ligtas Kidneys: Get CheCKD Habang Maaga Pa!”, Taytay residents are encouraged to make kidney health part of their preventive care routine. By expanding access to screening and education within communities, the initiative aims to help more Filipinos understand their health status, recognize potential risks early, and seek appropriate medical guidance when needed.
