The Department of Health (DOH) is urging Filipinos to maintain healthy meals amid holiday celebrations to reduce cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as stroke, heart attack, and bronchial asthma.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa reminded the public to avoid unhealthy foods during festivities.
“Iwasan ang maalat, matataba, mamantika, matatamis,” Herbosa said.
“Pag pinagsabihan ng cardiologist na bawal ang lechon, ‘wag ka na magsabi na ‘once a year lang naman.’ Famous last words ‘yon. Kung bawal sa ‘yo, bawal sa ‘yo,” he added.
Last year, eight monitoring sites recorded 437 cases of NCDs during the holidays, including seven deaths, with the youngest stroke victim aged 29. Experts also warned of “holiday heart syndrome,” caused by binge drinking and resulting in irregular heartbeat.
PHC Executive Director Avelino Aventura Jr. advised monitoring blood pressure and heart rate, especially if experiencing dizziness, difficulty breathing, or chest pain.
“Kailangan medyo cognizant na kailangan na pumunta ng ER (emergency room) kapag hindi nag-i-improve [ang kondisyon] with just resting,” Ventura said.
Herbosa added that “code white” has been raised until January 6, 2026, with DOH hospitals ready to handle emergency cases, including NCDs, fireworks-related injuries, and road accidents.