GMA Public Affairs’ health program Pinoy MD is celebrating its 13th anniversary with a special episode airing on Dec. 2, Saturday, 6 a.m. featuring two compelling segments that delve into the secrets of longevity and the importance of sustainable, healthy, living.

In “Isandaan: Ang Sikreto ng mga Centenarian,” Pinoy MD explores the fascinating stories and lifestyles of centenarians from Benguet. The episode aims to unveil the secrets to a long and vibrant life as shared by individuals who have reached the remarkable age of 100 and above. Through interviews and interactions with centenarians like Lola Kinay, the episode aims to provide valuable insights into the factors that contribute to their longevity. Viewers can expect to learn about lifestyle choices, cultural practices, and community support that play a role in the well-being of these remarkable individuals.

 Meanwhile, in “The Green Plate: Urban Farm to Table,” Pinoy MD introduces viewers to the inspiring story of an 81-year-old restaurant owner from Alfonso, Cavite. She claims to take no medication and suffer from no ailments. The secrets, as she reveals, lie in the produce from her own garden, which she incorporates into the dishes served at her restaurant. The episode explores the concept of “Urban Farm to Table,” emphasizing the importance of fresh, locally sourced, and organic produce in promoting a healthy lifestyle.  

Making health information more accessible to the public

Over the past decade, Pinoy MD has established itself as a trusted source of accurate and accessible health information, empowering Filipinos to make informed choices about their well-being. The show’s host, one of the most esteemed broadcast journalists in the country, Connie Sison, shared her experience on the show’s impact, not just to the Kapuso viewers but herself as well.

“Napakalaking bagay ang 13 years na kasama ko parati ang mga experts in health. Marami akong natutunan na nakakapagbigay rin ng kaalaman as a host. Syempre, kailangan ‘pag tinanong ka rin, alam mo kung saan tutungo yung tanong na dapat para mas marami kang makuha na information para sa mga taong nanonood. I think it changed my life so much in such a way that being able to have the knowledge na talaga namang tama para makagabay ka — ang sarap ng feeling na ganoon,” she shares.

The program’s medical experts, obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Raul Quillamor, certified health and wellness doctor Dr. Oyie Balburias, and dermatologist Dr. Jean Marquez, also underscore the program’s significance.

“Ang masasabi ko lang na pinakaimportanteng impact nito sa buhay ko ay nagiging mas mataas ang aking awareness sa pangangailangan ng ating mga kapwa at dito ko narealize na marami tayong underprivileged na mga kababayan na kailangan matuto sa kung paano maging malusog at sa kung paano maging healthy ang kanilang lifestyle,” said Dr. Quillamor.

Dr. Balburias, on the other hand, discussed how the show remains relevant even during the age of social media. “Sa ngayon kasi, napakarami, whether talagang doktor o ‘di doktor ay nagbibigay na ng payo tungkol sa kalusugan. Napakarami talagang lugar para sa misinformation, disinformation. Maaaring tama nga ang napapakinggan ng ating mga kababayan sa mga nakikita nila sa social media — pwedeng scientific o totoo talaga ito — pero ‘di nila masasabi na applicable talaga ito sa estado ng kanilang kalusugan at katawan kasi hindi naman pinag-aralan ng nagbibigay ng payo kung eto ba ay appropriate para sa kanila. Kaya dapat mag-ingat talaga kung paano natin i-proseso ang impormasyon patungkol sa kalusugan na nakukuha natin sa social media,” he said.

As such, Dr. Marquez hopes that the show will be able to help more people about wellness and health. “Ang pinaka-wish ko talaga ay mas marami pa tayong mareach out na mga tao and mas lumawak pa ang Pinoy MD – mas makapunta pa tayo talaga sa mga lugar na pwede natin mapuntahan, sa mga areas na nangangailangan talaga ng mga eksperto. And mas tumagal pa ang Pinoy MD… [at] tangkilikin pa nila tayo.”

As Pinoy MD marks its 13th anniversary, the program remains dedicated to its mission of empowering Filipinos to make informed decisions about their health. The show’s collective wish is to continue its success, reaching more people with accurate health information and making a positive impact on communities across the Philippines.

Don’t miss Pinoy MD’s 13th-anniversary episode this Saturday, Dec. 2, at 6 am, on GMA Network. 

Global Pinoys can watch it as well via GMA Life TV.