(L-R): Russell Rioveros, Vice President of Obesity Philippines Association (OPA), Achilles Comboy, OPA Auditor, Dr. Christiana Vida Montefalcon, Medical Manager, Novo Nordisk Philippines, Jennifer Flores, Vice President, Philippine Pharmacists Association Luzon Chapter, Karen Alparce-Villanueva, Treasurer of OPA, Jay Vincent Mateo, President of OPA, Dr. Maaliddin Biruar, President of Philippine College of Physicians (PCP), and key team members of Novo Nordisk Philippines and OPA.
In observance of World Patient Safety Day 2026, Novo Philippines joined healthcare leaders, professionals, policymakers, and patient advocates at the 5th Patient Safety Congress to advance safer, more coordinated care for people living with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
The two-day congress was jointly hosted by the UP Manila College of Medicine, College of Pharmacy, and College of Nursing under the University of the Philippines Manila. Held under the theme “Sama-Sama: Teaming Up for Safe Care,” the congress featured keynote lectures, panel discussions, and breakout sessions supporting the objectives of the WHO Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021–2030.
Discussions covered the human impact of preventable harm, health systems and financing, artificial intelligence, just culture, diagnostic and medication safety, teamwork, and the vital role of bantay or patient companions. The congress also highlighted obesity as a chronic, complex NCD and the need for innovative, evidence-based GLP-1 treatments such as semaglutide to be prescribed appropriately and used under the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals.
It underscored that safe care depends on strong systems, effective practices, and shared responsibility among healthcare professionals, policymakers, patients, and families.