Aglipay-Villar unveils 'Hope for Lupus' exhibit to spark early detection, support
Driven by her own battle with lupus, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay-Villar inaugurated the “Hope for Lupus Exhibit” at SM Aura Premier yesterday.
The public awareness initiative, organized by the Hope for Lupus Foundation in partnership with SM Supermalls, aims to demystify lupus and encourage timely diagnosis.
Diagnosed in her early twenties with the autoimmune disease, Villar endured years of intense pain, frequent hospitalizations, and moments when her life hung in the balance.
Today, as both a senior government official and leading advocate, she harnesses her personal experience to educate others and build a supportive community for patients and families.
“My journey with lupus taught me resilience and compassion,” Villar said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“By sharing our stories here, we empower people to seek help sooner and stand together against this unpredictable disease.”
The exhibit’s interactive stations guide visitors through the biology of lupus, warning signs to watch for, and the latest treatment advances.
Personal testimonies from “lupus warriors” provide an intimate glimpse into daily life with the disease, while healthcare experts answer questions on management strategies and emerging research.
This premiere at SM Aura is only the first of three stops.
The display will move to SM Podium from June 6–8 and culminate at SM City North EDSA from August 22–24, bringing critical lupus education to thousands more mall-goers.
The Hope for Lupus Foundation extended its gratitude to SM Supermalls for dedicating prime space to health advocacy.
Under Villar’s leadership, the foundation reaffirms its commitment to early detection, patient empowerment, and the belief that informed communities can change the course of lupus—one story at a time.