Via GRAPHIC PLUS — The Quezon City Government and Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines formally signed the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the rollout of the “Iwas Dialysis, Ligtas Kidneys: Get CheCKD Habang Maaga Pa!” program.
The citywide program aims to strengthen early chronic kidney disease (CKD) detection and improve kidney health awareness among QCitizens, particularly individuals at higher risk of the disease. Through barangay health centers, the initiative will support community-based screening efforts, provide practical kidney health guidance, facilitate timely hospital referrals for patients with abnormal findings, and encourage healthier habits to help reduce long-term risk.
In the Philippines, CKD remains a growing health concern, with an estimated 13 million Filipinos, or 11.2% of the population, living with the condition, many of whom remain undiagnosed until later stages.[1]
The initiative forms part of Boehringer Ingelheim’s Sustainable Development for Generations (SD4G) commitment, which seeks to improve health equity and outcomes in underserved communities worldwide.
“Our SD4G commitment guides us to work alongside communities where access to early healthcare interventions can create meaningful impact,” shared Dr. Bin Wang, General Manager, Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), Inc. “By strengthening awareness and supporting early screening efforts, we hope to help more QCitizens better understand their kidney health and seek care before complications arise.”
“Many patients only receive a diagnosis when the disease has already significantly progressed,” added Dr. Greta Cortez, Head of Medicine at Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), Inc. “Because symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, or skin irritation are often overlooked, early screening becomes especially important for individuals living with diabetes or hypertension. Timely detection allows earlier intervention and can help reduce the risk of progression to advanced kidney disease.”
The Quezon City Health Department also emphasized the role of community-based prevention and early screening efforts.
“Protecting QCitizens from chronic kidney disease starts with helping communities recognize the importance of early screening and prevention,” said Dr. Ramona Abarquez, City Health Officer, Quezon City. “Through this initiative, we hope to encourage more residents, especially those at higher risk, to monitor their kidney health early and help prevent complications before they become life-threatening.”
The rollout of “Iwas Dialysis, Ligtas Kidneys: Get CheCKD Habang Maaga Pa!” supports Quezon City’s broader commitment to accessible healthcare and preventive wellness programs that aim to improve long-term health outcomes for every QCitizen.
Residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming kidney health screening and education activities in their barangays. For more information on Chronic Kidney Disease and early screening, visit ItStartsWithYou.com.ph.
[1] Villanueva AR, et al. Cost-of-illness analysis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the Philippines. Journal of Medical Economics. 2025.
 for the rollout of the “Iwas Dialysis, Ligtas Kidneys: Get CheCKD Habang Maaga Pa!” program. ){kind=link}