ISUFST joins SDG Healthy City Initiative

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The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) has pledged its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Healthy City project, focusing on cancer and non-communicable disease (NCD) care in Iloilo City.

The announcement came from Dr. Nordy D. Siason, Jr., ISUFST president, during the project launch on July 29, 2024, at De La Salle University (DLSU), Manila.

“On behalf of ISUFST, I am honored to accept the invitation to be a key partner in the SDG Healthy City project,” Dr. Siason said. “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 significance of the project’s initiatives, emphasizing the value of participating in the survey on Universal Health Care (UHC) and National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) implementation.

“The opportunity to participate in the survey on UHC and 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,” 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.”

The SDG Healthy City project is spearheaded by the DLSU Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance and funded by the MSD Richard T. Clark Fellowship for Global Health.

It aims to establish a Cancer Service Delivery Network to enhance cancer and NCD care in Iloilo City.

The program includes forming local patient groups, conducting patient journey research, addressing access barriers, and improving healthcare outcomes.

ISUFST will provide local research support, coordinate efforts within Iloilo City, assist in hosting 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 collaborate closely with Iloilo City health sector personnel.

The project launch featured welcome remarks by Br. Bernard S. Oca, FSC, President of DLSU, an introduction to the MSD Global Richard T. Clark Fellowship Program by Ms. Jade Fortin of MSD Philippines, an overview of the SDG 3 Healthy Cities Project by Dr. Francisco A. Magno, Professor and SDG Lab Director at DLSU, and closing remarks by Dr. Ador R. Torneo, Director of the DLSU Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance.

Responses from project partners, including Dr. Siason and Ms. Karen Villanueva, President of the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations, as well as MSD Global Fellow Mr. Monir Ahmed, underscored the collaborative spirit of the initiative.

The SDG Healthy City project represents a significant step forward in addressing cancer and NCD care in Iloilo City with the support of esteemed institutions like ISUFST. (Text and photos by Herman Lagon, Edmer Bernardo, and Jescel Bito-onon/PAMMCO)