Dr. Nordy D. Siason, Jr., President of the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), has just emphasized the university’s dedication to community engagement and research during his response at the SDG Healthy City project launch this Monday night, July 29, 2024. The event, which took place at the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall Roof Deck, De La Salle University (DLSU), Taft Avenue, Manila, brought together project partners and stakeholders to address cancer and non-communicable disease (NCD) care in Iloilo City.
“On behalf of ISUFST, I am honored to accept the invitation to be a key partner in the SDG Healthy City project,” Dr. Siason stated. “This collaboration aligns perfectly with our commitment to community engagement and research. We are eager to contribute our expertise in conducting local research, coordinating efforts within Iloilo City, and providing a supportive environment for the Global Fellows.”
Dr. Siason highlighted the importance of the project’s initiatives, noting, “The opportunity to participate in the survey on Universal Health Care (UHC) and National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) implementation, as well as the conduct of Participatory Action Research, is invaluable. We believe these initiatives will generate critical data and insights to inform evidence-based policies and programs for cancer prevention, control, and care.” Expressing confidence in the project’s impact, he added, “Through our collective efforts, we can significantly improve the lives of cancer patients and contribute to the realization of a healthier Iloilo City. This noble endeavor aligns with our mission to support sustainable improvements in healthcare.”
The SDG Healthy City project, spearheaded by the DLSU Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance and funded by the MSD Richard T. Clark Fellowship for Global Health, aims to create a Cancer Service Delivery Network to enhance cancer and NCD care in Iloilo City. The program’s scope includes establishing local patient groups, conducting patient journey research, addressing access barriers, and improving healthcare outcomes. ISUFST, for its part, will provide local research support and coordinate efforts within Iloilo City, assist in hosting the four Global Fellows from the US, UK, and the Philippines, conduct surveys on the implementation of UHC and NICCA, and participate in Participatory Action Research (PAR). Additionally, the university will work closely with Iloilo City Health sector personnel. This collaboration marks another significant “first” in the history of ISUFST, showcasing its expanding role in impactful global health initiatives.
The SDG Healthy City project is a collaborative effort to gather critical data, strengthen stakeholder collaboration, develop targeted interventions, empower communities through education, establish cancer support group partnerships, and recommend policy measures for sustainable improvements. The event, attended by project partners and stakeholders, featured welcome remarks by Br. Bernard S. Oca FSC, President of De La Salle University, and an introduction to the MSD Global Richard T. Clark Fellowship Program by Ms. Jade Fortin of MSD Philippines. Dr. Francisco A. Magno, Professor and SDG Lab Director at DLSU, provided an overview of the SDG 3 Healthy Cities Project. Dr. Ador R. Torneo, Director of the DLSU Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance, delivered closing remarks.
The program concluded with responses from project partners, including Dr. Siason and Ms. Karen Villanueva, President of the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations, and a response from MSD Global Fellow Mr. Monir Ahmed. The SDG Healthy City project represents a significant step forward in addressing cancer and NCD care in Iloilo City, with the support and collaboration of esteemed institutions like ISUFST. (Text by Herman Lagon/Data and Photos by Jescel Bito-onon and Edmer Bernardo/PAMMCO) Posted by Patrick Lance Nacion
