Affordable health services and sustainable nutrition options were key topics in the second Manila Bulletin Sustainability Focus Session on April 30, 2025, at the Dr. Robert Sy Grand Ballroom at UST Manila. Held with the theme “Envisioning the Future of Healthcare,” the event brought together healthcare providers, nutrition experts, and local health advocates to discuss actionable steps for a more inclusive and sustainable healthcare landscape in the Philippines.
The Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, in his video message, highlighted the eight-point action agenda for a healthy Philippines, which focuses on ensuring accessible healthcare for every Filipino, delivering safety and quality services, driving technological progress, improving crisis preparedness, preventing illness, supporting mental and physical wellbeing, upholding the safety and rights of health workers, and protecting people from pandemics.
DOH Assistant Secretary for Universal Health Care – Policy and Strategy Dr. Albert Domingo echoed Dr. Herbosa’s call and encouraged students in the medical and related fields to build their careers with a strong focus on sustainability.
UST Secretary-General Rev. Fr. Louie R. Coronel, O.P., EHL, in his welcome remarks, emphasized that sustainability is a moral imperative, and that “When we nourish bodies, heal the sick, and protect the vulnerable, we fulfill our vocation as stewards of creation and defenders of human dignity.”
For his brand talk, Healthway Cancer Care Hospital Medical Director Dr. Jose Sollano, Jr., an alumnus and current academic staff of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, shared advice on how the next generation of medical professionals can build careers rooted in purpose, guided by sustainability, and committed to care that reaches every Filipino.
Mesa ni Misis Founder Juana Yupangco-Manahan advocated for locally sourced fruits and vegetables, noting that some have natural medicinal properties. Part of food security and sustainable nutrition, said Manahan, is the impact on the planet. She recommended locally sourced food, as it has less carbon footprint since less energy and resources are spent on packaging, importing, and processing. These are detailed in Mesa ni Misis’ cookbook titled “A Guide to Cooking and Enjoying Native Filipino Vegetables” with 40 healthy and affordable recipes. The non-profit has also created a plant-based menu for The Medical City to push healthier food choices.
UST Hospital Chief Dietitian Maureen Sarmago emphasized personalized nutrition management, noting that every patient is different. She explained that their nutritional status, diagnosis, medical condition, food preferences, and cultural beliefs are all key factors that must be considered.
Updated guidelines and evidence-based recommendations from credible medical and academic organizations should be followed when creating nutritional plans, said Sarmago, and she also shared the programs of USTH focusing on preventive nutrition, which promotes healthy eating habits, lower fast food consumption, and increased intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Maxicare Chief Strategy Officer Kurleigh Gacutan shared plans to make healthcare more accessible through their 35 primary care clinics, with 20 more currently rising.
The Generics Pharmacy Corporate Affairs Head for Robinsons Retail’s Drugstore Segment Carole Cabahug-Malenab detailed how making quality healthcare affordable can be sustainable to all Filipinos, and shared how The Generics Pharmacy aided that endeavor since 2001.
Watsons AVP for Blesilda Espin Watsons Own Brand Health, Exclusives and Business Development shared her insights and personal experiences, emphasizing the value and practicality of maintaining and improving your health.
UST Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Chair Asst. Prof. Kathleen N. Cruzada and UST Nutrition and Dietetics student Matea Zamantha Marasigan also joined the keynote speakers and the MB Sustainability Focus Session Project Lead Philip Cu-Unjieng in a panel discussion.
Over 400 students from the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, the Faculty of Pharmacy, the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management, the College of Education, the College of Nursing, and the SHS Health Allied strand attended the morning and afternoon sessions.
Manila Bulletin’s event was held in partnership with the University of Santo Tomas through the Office of Public Affairs. Earlier that month, a Memorandum of Agreement for this particular linkage was inked on April 8, 2025 with UST Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., Ph.D., and Manila Bulletin Executive Editor Mr. Ed Bartilad.