VILLAFUERTE (Photo via Ivy Tejano)
The Davao City Council passed a resolution supporting World Physical Therapy Day 2025 on Tuesday, Sept. 9, underscoring the vital role of physical therapists in preventive, curative, and rehabilitative health care.
In a privilege speech, Councilor Lorenzo Villafuerte, chairman of the Committee on Social Services, highlighted the event’s significance, observed every Sept. 8, which marks the founding of the World Confederation of Physical Therapy—now World Physiotherapy—in 1951.
Villafuerte’s resolution noted that the Philippines officially recognized the occasion through Proclamation No. 15, signed in 1988.
“This celebration underscores the unity and solidarity of physical therapists worldwide. More importantly, it highlights PTs’ critical role in preventive, curative, and rehabilitative health care,” Villafuerte said.
He noted that PTs play a key role in treating stroke, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, and other disabling conditions, helping patients regain mobility, independence, and quality of life.
The councilor cited the Universal Health Care Act as an essential policy that has widened access to physical therapy services, especially for the underprivileged.
Villafuerte cited Davao City’s Special Needs Intervention Center for Children, which caters to children with special needs aged zero to six, as a step forward in making PT services more accessible.
“I hope and dream that every health center in our city will have its own rehabilitation unit so that physical therapy services will become truly accessible to every Davaoeño, especially our elderly,” Villafuerte said.
Theme for this year’s celebration is “Healthy ageing,” focusing on preventing falls and frailty. World Physiotherapy aims to support member organizations in their efforts to promote the profession and advance their expertise.
Davao City Council’s approval of the resolution formalizes its support for World Physical Therapy Day 2025, aligning the city with global efforts to promote rehabilitation, inclusivity, and quality health care.