IN THE NEWS

WE ALL HAVE A PART TO PLAY IN BUILDING A HEALTHIER PHILIPPINES

May 13, 2021

The Manila Bulletin
"Speakers included the head of program implementation and outreach division under the Health Promotion Bureau of DOH, Dr. Alfonso Regala, founder of Hope in Me Club, Dr. Tina Alberto, CEO of digital healthcare company Alaga Health, Dr. Dexter Galban, as well as private sector representative and general manager of Sanofi Pasteur, Jean-Antoine Zinsou.

In his presentation, Dr. Galban championed young people and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). When young people’s access to health care is compromised, the Philippines’ future is compromised as well.

'Our economy is primarily fueled by the young working-age Filipinos who significantly contribute to production, commerce, and growth,' he said. The Philippines today has the largest generation of young people in history, with over 30 million young people between the ages of 10 and 24. At least one million young Filipinos will be entering the workforce in 2021. “Young people today understand the importance of health literacy and access to health care,”added Dr. Galban."

THE FUTURE OF HEALTH GOVERNANCE

April 23, 2021

Governing Health Futures
"The Commission has been working to convene and amplify youth voices on the future of health governance, particularly in its deliberations before and after the report launch scheduled for September 2021. One such platform for youth to share their ideas to explore ways and means of promoting youth development and engagement in the global sphere is the annual Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum.

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Diah Saminarsih, Senior Advisor on Youth and Gender to the Director-General of the WHO, and Eva Kiegele, Technical Officer of the WHO Office at the UN, followed with keynotes. Saminarsih stressed the importance of noting how youth are pushing for innovation in digital health and spoke about what WHO is doing to address youth leadership in governance in establishing the WHO Youth Council. Kiegele further emphasised how youth involvement is central to the WHO’s work and spoke to the importance of supporting youth through learning opportunities, introducing the forthcoming launch of the WHO Academy.

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The subsequent panel discussion was moderated by GHFutures2030 Youth Officer, Brian Li Han Wong, and featured five young experts: Dr Dexter Galban – CEO & Founder of Alaga Health Inc. & Experto PlayLabs Inc, Dr Enow Awah Georges Stevens – Youth Consultant of GHFutures2030, Danielle Mullings – Young Expert of Young Experts: Tech 4 Health (YET4H), Ines Siepmann – Young Professionals Coordinator of The Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER), and Robert Dean Smith – Research Assistant of GHFutures2030”

POPCOM: PHL ON TRACK TO CUT FERTILITY RATE IN 10 YEARS

December 4, 2020

Business Mirror
"Based on a separate presentation at the NUDHF, Popcom Commissioner Dexter A. Galban said the country’s total population as of December 3 is 109.334 million.

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This number is expected to increase to 142 million by 2045, even if the average annual population growth rate slows to 0.65 percent from the 1.7 percent, which is the average between 2010 and 2015.

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To date, Region 4A has the highest population at 14.41 million followed by the National Capital Region at 12.88 million and Region 3 at 11.22 million. Together, these three regions, Galban said, accounted for a third or 38.1 percent of the country’s population in 2015. Incidentally, these regions are also the same ones that are driving the Philippine economy.

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The steady population and economic growth has led to faster urbanization nationwide. Based in 2010, the country’s urbanization rate is at 45.3 percent with Metro Manila being 100 percent urbanized."

SYCIPLAW’S LSIP WRAPS UP WITH A VIRTUAL CONVERSATION WITH SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS

December 1, 2020

SyCip Law
"SyCip Law recently wrapped up its Lawyers for Social Impact Project (LSIP) -- a year-long program where lawyers of the firm worked pro bono for social enterprises selected and supported by the Innovation for Social Impact Project (ISIP) of Philippine S&T Development Foundation – Manila, Inc. (PhilDev) -- with a virtual staff meeting attended by SyCip Law lawyers, PhilDev officers and staff, and representatives of the firm's clients under the project.

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Brief comments from the firm's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee head, Jose Florante Pamfilo, kicked off the activity, followed by a talk from keynote speaker Eric Manlunas, a trustee of PhilDev and the founder and managing partner of Wavemaker Partners (an early stage-cross-border venture capital firm). 

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The talk was followed by a panel discussion led by SyCipLaw of counsel Mia Gentugaya, who moderated exchanges with social entrepreneurs Dr. Dexter Galban of Alaga Health and November Canieso-Yeo of Plantsville Health, and SyCipLaw senior associate and LSIP volunteer Mickey Chatto, on the goals of social enterprises, the need for (and sometimes scarcity of) good legal support, and other takeaways from the project."

GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS INVITED TO REACT ON THE YOUTH DECLARATION FOR CLIMATE JUSTICE AHEAD OF 25TH SEPTEMBER, ‘GLOBAL DAY OF CLIMATE ACTION’

September 22, 2020

Philippine Daily Inquirer
"'We are inviting government officials to react to the Youth Declaration on 23 September,' Youth Strike 4 Climate Philippines Education and Research Committee Head, Sophia Caralde, said, 'We want them to work on this Declaration and recognize the role of the youth in addressing the climate crisis. The Filipino youth is more than ready to work with the government to address the climate crisis and achieve climate justice.'

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The Press Conference will be held on 23 September 10:00AM to 12:00NN. Confirmed reactors include Mr. John Colin E. Yokingko from CHR, Mr. Albert A. Magalang from DENR-EMB, Dr. Dexter Galban from POPCOM, and Atty. Antonio La Viña, Professor of Law, Politics and Governance, and Philosophy."

DOCTORS ON GLOBAL FRONTLINE WARN ‘WAR IS NOT YET WON’ IN CORONAVIRUS FIGHT

September 8, 2020

Metro UK & The Mirror (United Kingdom)
"Dexter Galban, a doctor working in the capital Manila, told Metro.co.uk: ‘It’s heart-breaking because the business community is really struggling to stay afloat and keep people employed.

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‘But at the same time, the health care system is crying for help in light of the rapidly increasing number of cases of Covid-19. Some have begun expressing resentment against health workers online as a result of the decision to return to a stricter quarantine level.’

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More than 300 small private hospitals are in danger of closing down in the Philippines due to lack of manpower, finances, and equipment to cope with the pandemic.  

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‘Now, more than ever, we need to have the audacity to hope so that we may all keep fighting the good fight,’ said Dr. Galban."

USAID, NYC TARGET YOUTH WITH ANTI-TB AWARENESS DRIVE AMID PANDEMIC

August 14, 2020

Philippine Information Agency
"Dr. Galban also graced several radio programs to discuss partnerships with NYC and USAID’s TB Platforms.

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On the other hand, also expressing support is the 2030 Youth Force in the Philippines group led by Dr. Dexter Galban, who is concurrent National Director for Global Initiatives and  Commissioner for the Population Commission (POPCOM) under the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

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'The 2030 Youth Force in the Philippines responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by shifting all its campaigns, projects and events online. This led to our partnership with USAID’s TB Platforms in promoting TB education amid the pandemic. While the advocacy sphere has been challenged by the limitations regarding in-person events and community-based activities, more so the youth, the organization continues to develop innovative ways to empower young leaders and inspire change for a healthier nation' Galban said.

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'The Filipino youth have the passion, skills, and grit to create new impactful ways of disseminating critical health information  about TB and COVID-19. The best defense against the spread of both diseases is an even faster spread of proper information on how Filipinos can beat these killer diseases. We will continue to influence our peers to join this crusade using our social media platforms,' he added."

YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS HELD THE FIRST-EVER STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND YOUTH ADDRESS (SEYA) 2020

August 4, 2020

Human Rights Online Philippines

"In response to the fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte, environmental and climate youth-led organizations virtually came together to hold their own version of SONA—the State of the Environment and Youth Address (SEYA) 2020. Invited resource persons and participants hail from the three main islands in the country, allowing for better representation. Among the resource persons were from the youth sector, NGOs, and two government officials.

Furthermore, Population and Development Commissioner Dexter Galban raised the need to strike a balance between taking care of the environment and taking care of our health. “Kaya ako ay nananawagan bilang bahagi ng mga kabataan, bilang bahagi ng sektor pangkalusugan, at bilang bahagi ng pamahalaan, sana po ay makaisip tayo ng mga paraan, produkto, at aktibong pamamaraan upang bigyan ng tama at responsableng alaga ang ating bayan, klima, at kalusugan.” he concluded, ending the Youth Agenda and Demands discussion."

SALITA NANG SALITA? DUTERTE’S ADVISER APOLOGIZES AFTER BERATING DOCTORS OPPOSED TO RAPID TESTING

May 21, 2020

ONE News
"Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion criticized medical groups for objecting to the use of rapid antibody testing kits in the country. But he later apologized, saying his statements were not directed against all doctors.

During Wednesday’s Laging Handa press briefing, Concepcion said: 'Ang problema nitong mga doctor, salita nang salita, wala namang ginagawa; complain nang complain (The problem with these doctors, they talk and talk and do nothing; they just complain and complain).' 'Ang mangyayari dito, magsasarado ulit ekonomiya ng Pilipinas, maraming mawawalan ng trabaho (What will happen here is the Philippine economy will be shut down again and many will lose their jobs),' Concepcion added.

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Commission on Population and Development Commissioner Dexter Galban said: “Sir, with all due respect, this is an insult to all the doctors risking their lives on the front lines of our pandemic response. A little tact & show of respect can go a long way.”

100% SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT IS THE BETTER NORMAL - HEALTH EXPERTS

May 1, 2020

HealthJustice Philippines
"Health experts recommend that public spaces should be 100% smoke-free in order to protect public health. In a webinar organized by HealthJustice Philippines last Friday, health and tobacco control advocates and experts are in agreement that 'having a 100% smoke-free environment in both public and private spaces should be the better normal.'

The said webinar, which was moderated by Ralph Emerson Degollacion of HealthJustice and Chelsea Hill of Social Watch Philippines Youth, featured Dr. Susan Mercado, a public health expert who previously served as the Director of Non-communicable Diseases and Health through the Life‑Course at the World Health Organization Western Pacific Region; Dr. Beverly Ho, Health Promotion and Communication Service Director and Special Assistant to the Secretary of Health at the Department of Health; and Dexter Galban, Health Ambassador of the 2030 Youth Force in the Philippines. Dr. Daniel Tan, Board Member of HealthJustice, gave the opening remarks.

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Dexter Galban, a youth leader and advocate for public health, highlighted the role of the youth during this time. 'When the pandemic first came into light, we saw a blitzkrieg of publication materials by done by a lot of youth groups, particularly addressing the signs and symptoms of Covid-19, how they can volunteer, and how they can help,' Galban observed.

Galban encouraged workers in the public health sector to continue involving the youth in their programs. 'We are open for collaborations and partnerships so we can capitalize on this small window where the young people are very active and have put their attention particularly to health,' Galban said."

YOUNG ACTIVISTS LAUNCH PARTNERSHIP FOR URGENT ACTION ON THE GLOBAL GOALS

January 23, 2020

Project Everyone
"Today, leading young activists under the age of 30, from twelve countries have formed the Youth Power Panel, launching a global initiative to accelerate youth action for the Global Goals in 2020 Their announcement comes in response to a speech from UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, calling on the General Assembly to make 2020 the year of urgency, kick starting a decade of action to deliver the Goals by their 2030 deadline.

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The Youth Power Panel brings together high-profile youth activists from the USA, UK, Mexico, Philippines, India, Kenya, Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Lebanon, Barbados and France. They aim to empower fellow youth activists around the world by connecting local grassroots campaigns with funding; amplifying youth actions that are creating change; developing tools to help young people track the goals and holding their leaders to account for their delivery."

YOUTH POWER IS THE ANSWER TO THE WORLD'S BIGGEST PROBLEMS

January 23, 2020

Restless Development

"Young people stand ready, and united, to make the Global Goals a reality. Collective action from young people is already changing things for the better, like the youth-led school strikes on climate change. Young people are fighting FOR fairness, justice, and the environment. They are fighting AGAINST inequality, persecution and climate change.

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The Youth Power campaign will help bring youth activists together, providing technical advocacy and campaigning support, establishing systems of learning and collaboration as well as funding, resourcing and amplifying grass-roots youth-led campaigns all over the world. 

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The Youth Power panel are a 12-strong panel and come from all over the world. They will be instrumental in organising the biggest youth generation in history to make the world a better place. They will support and connect local grassroots campaigns with funding; amplify youth actions that are creating change; developing tools to help young people everywhere track the goals and hold their leaders to account for their delivery."

UP-CIFAL PHILIPPINES, JPSPA HOLD SDG WORKSHOP FOR 83 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION STUDENTS

October 22, 2019

UP CIFAL Philippines

"Various talks on SDGs were held during the morning session. Ms. Christine Sanchez, project officer for SDGs of UP-CIFAL Philippines, introduced the 17 global goals and how the participants can contribute to its fulfillment. 

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Commission on Population and Development Commissioner Dexter Galban talked about SDG3: good health and well-being, particularly students’ mental health. Moreover, Mr. Pablo Mallari of 2030 Youth Force discussed the challenges of education in the Philippines (SDG 4). To end the morning session, Ms. Wilhelmina Pelegrina, Regional Coordinator for Food and Ecological Agriculture Campaigns of Greenpeace, emphasized the role of the youth in addressing climate change (SDG 13)."

VOTE WISELY, CHOOSE PRO-HEALTH CANDIDATES

May 9, 2019

HealthJustice Philippines

"MANILA — With only a few days left before the May 13 elections, advocates appealed to voters to ensure headways in the health sector by voting for candidates who are genuinely pro-health. Very recently, various laws have been passed which are expected to reinvigorate the country’s health sector. These include the Universal Health Care Act, Integrated Cancer Control Act, Mental Health Act, etc. These laws are still subject for implementation.

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“Electing health champions is within our power. We should all make our votes count,” Dexter Galban of the Healthy Philippines Alliance said. Galban noted that the best way to gauge a candidate is to look at his or her track record. “How consistently did your candidate vote during the passage of the recent health laws? How does your candidate view health reforms — as an investment to development or an expense to government? These are important questions to ask,” Galban added.

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Photo: (c) UNFPA Philippines

APEC SCHOOLS OPEN SEARCH FOR OUTSTANDING YOUTH

May 07, 2019

The Manila Times

"EMPOWERING young leaders, the Ayala-led Affordable Private Education Center Inc. (APEC) Schools launched Sikhay 2019: Community Service Awards, which aims to recognize young Filipino students who pioneered outstanding community service programs and projects that have contributed to a community’s development, held at the Quezon City Experience (QCX) inside the Quezon Memorial Circle.

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Shown in the photo are (from left) Monette Sabio, Director of Teaching for APEC Schools; Mara de Guzman of Bata PH; Dexter Galban of SDG Youth Force PH; Lei Motilla of Asean Youth Community; Mary Ann Barcelon, CPD officer; and Francis Pinon, Marketing & Comms. head of APEC Schools"

NEW SSS CHIEF AURORA IGNACIO APPOINTED

April 2, 2019

The Philippine Star
"The President signed the appoinment papers of 12 other officials to various posts.

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Commission on Elections Resolution No. 10429 prohibits the appointment or hiring of new employees, creation or filling up of new posts and promotion or giving of salary increases, remuneration or privilege from March 29 to May 12.

Appointed on the eve of the election appointment ban were Monalisa Dimalanta, chairperson of the National Renewable Energy Board; Dennis Dagohoy, board member of the United Coconut Planters Life Assurance Corp.; Herminia Roman, board member of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, and Dexter Galban, board member of the Commission on Population and Development."

HELP IS HERE: SC AIMS TO FORM SUPPORT GROUP FOR ALS COMMUNITY

November 2018

The Palladium

"The Ateneo Law Student Council concluded the month-long mental health awareness celebration with a Brown Bag Session held last October 26, 2018 at the Blue Room, Ateneo Professional Schools.

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The event, in partnership with Happy Hour Philippines and Introspect, aimed to create a support group within the law school community — composed of students who are undergoing mental illnesses and those who are not diagnosed but are willing to lend a helping hand. 

Dexter Galban and Via Roderos, both medical students from the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health and at the same time representatives of Happy Hour Philippines, facilitated the support group activities throughout the event. Student volunteers from Introspect likewise helped in stirring discussion among the support groups"

FUNDS VS NCDS SOUGHT IN HEALTH CARE PROGRAM

October 27, 2018

The Manila Times

"A coalition of health groups has appealed to Congress to include funding support for the prevention of non-communicable diseases in the proposed Universal Health Care (UHC) law.

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“'Treatment of NCDs, which is chronic in nature, is expensive in the long run. If a Filipino contracts it at an early age, then he or she must continuously avail of specific medicines or undergo periodic tests to monitor the progress of the disease,' Dexter Galban of the Ateneo School of Public Health and Medicine said in a statement.

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'This is why we are saying that prevention is still a lot cheaper than cure. Our health system must set aside funds now to deliver to people the right health information, and encourage them to stay away from unhealthy or risky behaviors,' he added."

CLEAN AIR ADVOCATES FORM ANTI-AIR POLLUTION GROUP

July 25, 2018

Philippine News Agency

"Various clean air advocacy groups on Wednesday banded together to push giving more "teeth" on government programs for clean air and environmental protection, with the launch of the "Health Care for Cleaner Air Alliance." During the launching in Quezon City, advocacy groups, led by Health Care Without Harm (HCWH), said the alliance aims to formalize the discussions they have done in the past years in pushing for the implementation of laws against air pollutants.

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While the group does not have an exact figure on the economic loss that results from treating illnesses caused by air pollution, Dexter Galban of the Health from Youth Force in the Philippines estimated that the losses are higher than the medical spending to diseases contracted from tobacco smoking. Galban, a registered nurse, said economic expenditures due to tobacco smoking data range between PHP218 billion and PHP261 billion."

GROUPS WANT PTI REMOVED FROM IACT

October 12, 2015

HealthJustice Philippines

"Health advocates have joined forces to oust tobacco representative from the regulation committee so they can’t meddle with decision about cigarette policies of the government. The move to oust Philippine Tobacco Institute (PTI), an umbrella organization of cigarette companies from the Inter-Agency Committee on Tobacco (IACT) is being pushed by Ang Nars partylist, Healthjustice and One for Nursing Empowerment. According to the group, the IACT is the one mandated by the Tobacco Control Regulation Act of 2003 or RA 9211 to implement tobacco control measures in the country.

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According to Dexter Galban, founder of the youth group One for Nursing Empowerment, cigarette companies are targeting the youth and that the government should protect their right to health. He said the youth sector is being viewed by cigarette companies as an impressionable demographic that can easily be wooed to become replacement smokers.

Galban added that if tobacco control laws are not implemented properly cigarette companies will continue having access to effective marketing strategies that can entice people to get addicted to a deadly addiction.

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ANNUAL PHILIPPINE INTERCULTURAL YOUTH CONVENTION KICKS OFF WITH A BLAST!

October 20, 2018