At the Usapang Puso sa Puso Media Conference, held on November 4, 2025, the Philippine Heart Association (PHA) joined national officials, first responders, and health activists in commemorating World Restart a Heart Day.
The event focused on creating a CPR-Ready and 911-Ready Philippines, empowering Filipinos to handle cardiac emergencies. Key agencies like the Department of Health, Emergency 911 National Office, Philippine College of Emergency Medicine, and the Philippine Red Cross united to enhance the emergency response system through education and collaboration. The Philippine College of Cardiology, comprising 2,500 specialists, aims to improve cardiology training and community service across the nation.
PHA President Dr. Walid Amil highlighted the organization’s dedication to heart health advocacy through its initiative. Since 2020, the PHA has trained over 111,000 Filipinos in Basic and Advanced Life Support across 28 accredited training centers, impacting various communities including schools, hospitals, workplaces, and barangays nationwide.
CPR-ReadyPH: A continuing journey of collaboration
PHA’s advocacy is centered on the CPR-ReadyPH program, initiated in 2015 to make CPR training accessible to all Filipinos and position the country globally in CPR readiness. By collaborating with various organizations, PHA provides standardized CPR and AED training. The program has influenced national policies, notably leading to the enactment of the CPR Act of 2016, which requires hands-only CPR education in schools, and continues to advocate for the AED Bill for public installation of defibrillators.
“CPR-ReadyPH thrives on partnership,” Dr. Reyes said. “Our role is to strengthen what already exists — to make sure that the skills, the systems, and the people all connect in one life-saving network.”
Joining forces through Unified 911
During the Usapang Puso sa Puso presser, the PHA underscored its partnership with various organizations to develop an integrated emergency response ecosystem, linking CPR-ReadyPH with the Unified 911 system for coordinated action during cardiac emergencies. Dr. Iris Garcia highlighted the importance of grassroots knowledge for driving real change.
“Our next challenge is not awareness — it’s implementation. We have the CPR Law. We have the knowledge. Now we need action — so that K-12 students get formal hands-only CPR training and these students can pass on,” Garcia said.
The collaboration highlights the PHA’s mission for national heart health, stressing the need for unity in emergency response as emphasized by Dr. Aurora Muriel S. Gamponia. Dr. Dave G. Dato, President of PCEM, underlined the significance of coordination among emergency responders and medical institutions. Dr. Don Robespierre C. Reyes advocated for CPR education for all Filipinos. DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa expressed support for Unified 911, while Executive Director Francis Fajardo noted that inter-agency collaboration fosters public trust.
Every call answered proves that unity between government and private health partners truly saves lives,” he said.
A shared fight against the world’s top killer
According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) continue to be the world’s leading cause of death, taking 17.9 million lives annually.
According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, ischemic heart disease accounted for 76,901 deaths in the Philippines between January and August 2023, or 19.1% of all fatalities.
According to local research, the most prevalent CVDs are hypertension (38.6%) and stroke (30%), which are exacerbated by obesity, smoking, and dyslipidemia.
For the PHA and its partners, the data emphasizes the importance of addressing both the medical crisis and national responsibility. The Association’s dedication to saving lives is reflected through ongoing education, community training, and policy engagement.
“A CPR-Ready Philippines cannot be built alone. It takes a nation — every doctor, teacher, responder, and citizen — to keep the next heartbeat alive,” said Dr. Amil.
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