The local government of Caloocan City conducted a forum to raise awareness about men's health problems.
The forum was held at Buena Park in Caloocan City on Tuesday, June 18 in line with the observance of Men's Mental Health Month. Over 230 male participants were provided with free health services.
"Batid po natin na ang bawat kasarian, may iba't-ibang mga pangangailangan, kaya naman po patuloy ang pagpapatupad natin ng mga programang naayon sa pangangailangan ng mga babae, lalaki, at mga kapatid nating LGBTQ (We know that each gender has different needs, which is why we continue to implement programs tailored to the needs of women, men, and our LGBTQ brothers and sisters),” Mayor Dale Gonzalo "Along" Malapitan said.
The forum was led by the City Health Department (CHD) and attended by members of various organizations, including the Philippine National Police (PNP), and youth leaders from the city's Sangguniang Kabataan (SK).
During the forum, attendees talked about adolescent mental health, smoking and its health effects, prostate cancer, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) awareness for stigma reduction.
They also availed of free services such as risk assessments for non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. They also received HIV testing and counselling, as well as free facial and hand treatment.
Malapitan said his administration prioritizes the creation of comprehensive health programs for all genders.
"Palagi pong una sa ating listahan ang mga proyektong pangkalusugan dahil alam ko po ang kahalagahan nito upang masiguro ang patuloy na pag-angat ng kalidad ng buhay sa ating lungsod (Health projects are always first on our list because I know their importance to ensure the continuous improvement of the quality of life in our city)," he said.
He thanked the CHD for the successful activity and the resource speakers from Army General Hospital and the Department of Health for sharing their knowledge that would improve health.