Advocacy on COPD Awareness fosters camaraderie among the COPD support groups in different institutions by creating a sense of unity and shared purpose. This was achieved by holding a COPD Meet that initiated various learning activities in coordination with the COPD Council last December 7, 2024. Overall, this advocacy served as a unifying force that brings together individuals with a common goal, ultimately helping COPD patients to receive the care and support they need to improve their physical well-being and quality of life.

Commemoration of the “National Pulmonary Rehabilitation Day” every third Wednesday of June aimed to promote public awareness on the nature and management options for patients with chronic respiratory diseases. By highlighting the importance of pulmonary rehabilitation as a standard of care, the public was made to learn more on the available therapeutic regimens and educational materials that would increase their understanding and empathy for those living with these conditions.

The strategies implemented for the occasion included a symposium on the forms and applications of pulmonary rehabilitation, lay fora, fun games, public exhibits in hospital lobbies, mainstream and online media interviews of council members regarding the indications and clinical benefits of this nonpharmacologic intervention. The Council is also seeking for the Presidential Proclamation of this annual event.

Continuing education and training are essential for health care professionals to develop a deeper understanding of pulmonary rehabilitation’s practices and clinical benefits. The council held face-to-face and online symposia and CPET workshops. For the first time in its history, a pulmonary rehabilitation post-graduate course on the “Fundamentals and Applications of Pulmonary Rehabilitation and CPET” was included in the scientific program of the PCCP 44th Annual Chest Convention.

Clinical research can provide insights into the availability, accessibility, and quality of pulmonary rehabilitation programs in the country. It can also identify the gaps and areas for improvement in the existing programs. We have completed a survey on the profile of ten clinical programs in the Philippines. There are also proposed study protocols waiting for approval that will look into the current prevalence of these clinical programs and the adult pulmonologists’ attitude, beliefs and barriers regarding pulmonary rehabilitation. The Council’s application for funding the development of the Clinical Practice Guidelines on Pulmonary Rehabilitation was recently approved by the Department of Health for the year 2026. This document will provide the best practice recommendations for the indications, conduct of the program, and clinical benefits for patients with chronic respiratory diseases.

The Council is currently on track in seeking the establishment of international collaborations with rehabilitation experts from the Asia Pacific region. This will allow strong alliances in the areas of clinical research, information exchange through webinars and meetings, and observership programs in selected centers. These cooperative efforts may enhance the implementation of evidence-based interventions and can lead to improvement in the uptake of pulmonary rehabilitation. To this date, 24 physicians and rehabilitation specialists from 9 countries have accepted the Council’s invitation to be part of this network.

For patient resources, The YouTube channel “Pulmonary Rehabilitation Philippines” was launched on August 6, 2024. The channel provides a snapshot of the Council’s projects and activities. It is dedicated in providing better access for online education materials for patients, caregivers, and the general public. These videos offer valuable information regarding the various aspects of exercises, breathing techniques, and lifestyle tips to improve lung function and overall respiratory health. The Council on Pulmonary Rehabilitation is fully committed to enhance collaboration among its members and other international respiratory experts.

The Council’s Dream:
“Pulmonary Rehabilitation para sa lahat ng mga Pilipinong nangangailangan nito”