Marcos: 3rd Wednesday of June of every year is ‘National Pulmonary Rehabilitation Day’

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has designated the third Wednesday of June of each year as “National Pulmonary Rehabilitation Day” to further increase the public’s awareness of pulmonary rehabilitation as treatment for patients with chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs).

This was according to Proclamation 1104 issued on December 4.

It said the Department of Health (DOH) underscored the need “to raise public knowledge and appreciation of pulmonary rehabilitation as a well-established and effective standard of care for CRDs, particularly those linked to smoking and vaping” and to promote prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation efforts.

It defined pulmonary rehabilitation as a “comprehensive intervention combining exercise training, education, and behavioral modification.”

It added that pulmonary rehabilitation has been internationally recognized “as a standard of care that improves physical and psychological well-being, reduces hospitalizations, and enhances the quality of life of patients with chronic respiratory diseases.”

June is also known as “No Smoking Month” as mandated by Proclamation 183 issued in 1993 as part of the government’s awareness campaign on the negative effects of smoking.

Proclamation 1104 tasked the DOH to lead the observance of National Pulmonary Rehabilitation Day and to coordinate with non-government organizations (NGOs) like the Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP) and the private sector “to implement collaborative activities that promote pulmonary rehabilitation in the country.”

Marcos’ directive also encouraged government agencies, local government units (LGUs), government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), NGOs, and the private sector to support the DOH in implementing the celebration of National Pulmonary Rehabilitation Day.

Meanwhile, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) will implement effective measures “to inform and encourage the public to support the programs, activities, and projects for the celebration of the National Pulmonary Rehabilitation Day.” — JMA, GMA Integrated News