The month of May celebrates National Hypertension Awareness Month in pursuant to Proclamation No. 1761 to urge different strategies for the prevention, treatment, and control of hypertension in the country. The theme for this year’s awareness is Know Your Numbers with a goal of increasing awareness on high blood pressure (BP) in all populations around the world.

General Santos City Health Office conducted lectures on hypertension for National Hypertension Awareness Month last May 5, 2021. This was held in the Baluan Covered Court of Barangay Baluan, General Santos City. A total of 30 hypertensive clients of the Rural Health Unit of Baluan attended the lecture event.

Hon. Amanda Cargason, Kagawad on Health, gave the welcoming address and message for the participants. Health Education and Promotion Officer Mary Rose A. Aloot served as resource speaker with the lecture “What to Know About Hypertension”, together with DOH Nutritionist-Dietitian II Jennelyn A. Calanao who talked about “Healthy Eating When You Have Hypertension”. Registered Midwife Ma. Cecelia Dizon of Baluan Health Center gave the closing remarks for the said event.

According to DOH Nutritionist-Dietitian II Calanao, this event is just a launching of other activities dedicated for the National Hypertension Awareness Month. General Santos City Health Office will conduct more Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities for hypertension awareness simultaneous to provision of medicines to hypertensive patients, following a particular schedule for different rural health units in the city.

Based on the 2018 Expanded National Nutrition Survey conducted by FNRI-DOST, the prevalence of elevated blood pressure among Filipino adults 20-59 years old and Filipino elderly 60 years old above have decreased from year 2015 to 2018.

Hypertension has long been and remains as one of the leading causes of death in the Philippines. With this, it is rightful that this condition is given attention and awareness by Filipinos.