VIA GRAPHIC PLUS | Manila, PH — Taytay residents are taking proactive steps to protect their kidney health through accessible community-based screening efforts led by the local government in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often develops silently, with many individuals unaware they have it until symptoms appear or the disease has progressed. In the Philippines, an estimated 13 million Filipinos, or 11.2% of the population, are living with CKD[1], underscoring the importance of early screening to identify risks sooner, access timely care, and help prevent further disease progression.
Recognizing the importance of early CKD detection, the Municipality of Taytay, in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines, and with the support of Angat Taytay, has expanded access to kidney health screening and education through the “Iwas Dialysis, Ligtas Kidneys: Get CheCKD Habang Maaga Pa!” program.
Implemented under the leadership of the Municipal Government of Taytay, and in coordination with local barangay officials, barangay health centers, and community groups, the program brings kidney health screening closer to residents, helping them understand their kidney health, identify potential risks early, and take proactive steps toward prevention. The initiative also supports the goals of the Universal Healthcare Act (RA 11223) by strengthening primary and preventive care at the community level and bringing essential health services closer 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 Taytay, we believe that true compassion is not only shown through treating illness, but also through preventing it before it begins. Chronic kidney disease is often silent, which is why it is important to bring free screening closer to our communities. When we identify risks early, we can protect more lives and help more families avoid the burden of high medical costs and suffering.”)
In Taytay, the initiative has reached nearly 4,000 residents in just two months, reflecting the strong community response and reach of kidney health screening efforts across the municipality. The program brought screening services to the Taytay Municipal Hall; barangays Sta. Ana, San Juan, San Isidro, and Dolores; communities such as Sitio Batasin, Montevista Subdivision, and Cielito Homes II; and key venues including SM Taytay, schools, police stations, and fishports. These efforts demonstrate how strong partnerships between local government, community organizations, and the private sector can make preventive kidney care more accessible and encourage more residents across Taytay to take early action.
“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.
The initiative reflects the shared commitment of Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines and the Municipality of Taytay to strengthen community-based healthcare and expand access to early detection. Through the “Iwas Dialysis, Ligtas Kidneys: Get CheCKD Habang Maaga Pa!”, Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines continues to support the Municipality’s efforts to raise awareness of CKD, promote early screening, and empower residents to take action toward better kidney health.
“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.
By bringing together local government, healthcare providers, community organizations, and industry partners, the initiative helps connect more residents to early screening, preventive care, and timely support. These collective efforts can help reduce the long-term burden of chronic kidney disease and build healthier communities.
The program will continue expanding kidney health screening opportunities for Taytay residents through upcoming community-based activities in July and August. Screening activities will be held across different locations in Brgy. Dolores, Brgy. San Isidro, and SM Taytay, giving more residents opportunities to learn about their kidney health and take early action.
Upcoming screening schedules include:
- 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
Early screening can make a difference. Taytay residents are encouraged to visit their nearest health center or join the upcoming community screening activities to know their kidney health status and take proactive steps to protect their kidneys.
[1] Villanueva, A. R., de Leon, D., Encarnacion, P. J., Cunanan, E., Estabillo, A. P., Gonzales, C. J., Kimwell, M. J., Mallari-Catungal, M., Taneo, M. J., Tan-Lim, D. D., Tiongco, R. H. P. II, Togonon-Leaño, J. I., De Lara-Valenzona, M. R., Yu, D., Crisostomo, A. C., & Montilla, P. J. (2025). Cost-of-illness analysis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) management in the Philippines. Journal of Medical Economics, 28(1), 494–507. https://doi.org/10.1080/13696998.2025.2481766
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