Francisco T. Duque III, M.D., M.Sc.
Secretary of Health
"I convey my warmest greetings to the officers and members of the Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology as they spearhead observance of the National Allergy Week.
Let us continue to work for the improvement of health services for the benefit of our people, especially those who suffer from allergy. Your theme, "Allergy: Iwasan at Bawasan" expresses your continuing commitment to raise the public's awareness of highly prevalent and chronic allergic diseases.
The Department of Health recognizes the role of your organization , together with the Philippine Society of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Philippine College of Chest Physicians, Philippine Dermatological Society, the Philippine Academy of Pediatric Pulmonologists, and the Philippine Academy of Opthalmology in the health sector. I wish you more success in your endeavors as we move our country towards better health and greater progress.
Congratulations and mabuhay kayong lahat!
Rey Melchor F. Santos, M.D.
MHA, FPCS, FACS
President, Philippine Medical Association
Greetings from the Philippine Medical Association!
I would like to convey my warmest felicitations to all the members of the different specialty and sub-specialty societies tasked to organize all the activities related to the observance of National Allergy Week on July 8 to 13, 2008.
The theme for this year entitled “ALLERGY: Iwasan at Bawasan” aptly articulates the importance given to the promotive and prevention aspects of containing the disease as it presents itself in various forms. The pharmacological preparations, as well as the technologies that are made available have vastly improves our skills in treating allergy and its complications. The importance therefore, of studying this particular disease condition from the aforementioned standpoints in the provision of health care will hopefully result in better health outcomes and quality of life for those affected by it.
In behalf of the Board of Governors and National Officers of the Philippine Medical Association, I would like to congratulate the Organizing Committee and all the stakeholders in this year’s observance of the National Allergy Week.
Maraming salamat sa lahat at mabuhay!
Florecita R. Padua, M.D.
President, Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
Greetings!
Presidential Proclamation 1313 declaring July 8 of each year as National Allergy Day is in cognizance of the increasing burden of allergic disease on the health, quality of life and productivity of our people. Allergic diseases which which include respiratory allergies (asthma, rhinitis, sinusitis) and various skin allergies (urticaria, atopic dermatitis, angioedema) are increasing in prevalence not only in our country but worldwide and are now the most frequent reasons patients seek medical care. The state of the World Allergy Report 2008 states that “allergy is a major problem of the 21st century, and this problem is predicted to worsen as this century move forward.” It is in this light that we enjoin the whole nation to observe the National Allergy Day and together work towards its control and prevention.
For the first time, July 8, 2008 marks the observance of National Allergy Day on a nationwide scale. Working on the theme “Iwasan at Bawasan ang Allergy,” the Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology has spearheaded a multisectoral effort to drum up public awareness of the allergy problem. Other medical subspecialties (Philippine Society of Dermatology, Philippine Academy of Pediatric Pulmonology, Philippine Society of Otolaryngology, Philippine College of Chest Physicians) who are also involved in the management of allergic diseases have thrown in their invaluable support towards this end. Public awareness and education on the hazards of allergic diseases, its prevention and control are the emphasis of this year’s activities. The National Allergy Day Organizing Committee chaired by Dr. Ruby Foronda has prepared a well-crafted programme that will ensure achievement of these goals.
It is our belief that ultimately, only a joint effort of all sectors in our society can curtail the rising magnitude of the allergy problem.
In behalf of the PSAAI, I invite the whole nation to observe the National Allergy Day and be part of the “Iwasan at Bawasan and Allergy” effort.
Ruby N. Foronda, M.D.
Chair, National Allergy Week Working Group
Mabuhay! This year’s celebration of National Allergy Day is dedicated to the 20% or so of our countrymen suffering from various forms of allergic disorders such as allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis, certain food and drug reactions and urticaria. This is our way of focusing attention on these very common disorders that continue to plague allergy sufferers on a day-to-day basis at home, at work and at school. This year’s celebration, spearheaded by the Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (PSAAI), with the theme “ALLERGY: Iwasan at Bawasan!” tells us that allergic diseases can be controlled and even prevented.
My warm thanks to all PSAAI members nationwide who participated in this campaign; the PAPP, PCCP, PSOHNS, PAO and PDS; as well as the staff of DOH who helped in this year’s celebration. All it took was a call to obtain their precious cooperation. Thank you also to the millions with allergy who are willing to listen with open minds and accept our offer of empowerment.
Our fervent wish is to see you all in the coming years of celebrating National Allergy Day!
