Nearly 4,000 residents in Taytay, Rizal, have accessed early kidney health evaluations over the past two months through a municipal healthcare drive designed to detect chronic kidney disease (CKD) before symptoms begin.

The initiative, titled “Iwas Dialysis, Ligtas Kidneys: Get CheCKD Habang Maaga Pa!”, tackles a growing public health challenge across the Philippines. An estimated 13 million Filipinos—roughly 11.2% of the national population—live with CKD, a condition that frequently progresses without early warning signs.

By bringing free testing directly to neighborhoods, the municipality aims to catch risks early, improve treatment outcomes, and help families avoid the substantial financial burden associated with late-stage kidney failure and dialysis.

Led by the Municipal Government of Taytay in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines and supported by Angat Taytay, the campaign operates in coordination with local barangay officials, community groups, and health centers. The effort aligns directly with the primary and preventive healthcare mandates of the Universal Healthcare Act (RA 11223).

“Sa Taytay, naniniwala tayo na ang tunay na malasakit ay hindi lang nakikita sa paggagamot, kundi sa maagap na pag-iwas sa sakit. Ang kidney disease ay madalas tahimik, kaya mahalagang mailapit ang libreng screening sa ating mga kababayan. Kapag maaga nating natutukoy ang panganib, mas marami tayong buhay na napoprotektahan at mas maraming pamilyang naiiwasan sa mabigat na gastusin at pagdurusa,” said Taytay Mayor Allan De Leon.

To maximize reach, mobile and popup screening sites have been deployed to high-foot-traffic areas and underserved neighborhoods. Operations have already covered:

• Public & Commercial Hubs: Taytay Municipal Hall, SM Taytay, local public schools, police stations, and fishports.
• Barangays: Sta. Ana, San Juan, San Isidro, and Dolores.
• Residential Communities: Sitio Batasin, Montevista Subdivision, and Cielito Homes II.

Local health leadership emphasized that localized preventative care offers long-term benefits beyond immediate diagnosis.

“The best healthcare is the illness that never happens. Prevention is the most compassionate and cost-effective investment any local government can make. Kidney disease is often a silent condition, and through preventive screening, we give our residents something more valuable than medicine—we give them time, knowledge, and the chance to act early. A healthier community is ultimately a stronger and more resilient Taytay,” said Dr. Aldwin Aguinaldo, Municipal Health Officer of Taytay.

The public-private partnership forms a key part of broader efforts to decentralize medical screenings in the Philippines and integrate early diagnostics into routine community health services.

“Early detection can make a meaningful difference in chronic kidney disease, and it begins with improving access to screening in communities that need it most. At Boehringer Ingelheim, we are committed to improving health outcomes by working with local governments, community organizations, and healthcare providers to bring kidney health education and screening closer to more Filipinos, empowering them to take action early,” said Dr. Greta Cortez, Head of Medicine, Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines.

Upcoming August Screening Schedule

The municipality will continue offering free screening activities through the end of August across several designated locations:

• August 8–30: Brgy. San Isidro
• August 9–29: Brgy. Dolores
• August 23: Sitio Tagumpay
• August 29: Sitio Bayabas Purok 1
• August 30: Sitio Bayabas Purok 5

Taytay residents are encouraged to visit their nearest local health center or attend any of the scheduled community popup sites to evaluate their kidney health status.