June 5, 2025
Charity Day raises awareness on hypertension
By Joy Rojas
Did you know that high blood pressure (or hypertension) affects nearly four out of 10 Filipinos? Moreover, in the hypertensive population, only 52 percent know they have high blood pressure, while 48 percent are unaware of their condition, and therefore leave it untreated.
Doctors refer to hypertension as a “silent killer”; you can have no symptoms even if your blood pressure is high. Uncontrolled hypertension (130/80 mm/Hg or higher) puts you at risk for heart attack, stroke, transient ischemic attack, and aneurysms. This explains why cardiovascular disease and cerebrovascular diseases rank first and third, respectively, in the leading causes of morbidity among Filipinos.
Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) volunteer cardiologist Dr. Ellen Tan-Cu discussed these and other facts about hypertension before 106 medical assistance beneficiaries in a quarterly Charity Day on June 1 at the Jing Si Auditorium of Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus, Sta. Mesa, Manila. Included in her talk were the proper way of using a BP monitor and preventive measures like taking maintenance medication, monitoring your blood pressure, exercising regularly, reducing stress, and consuming more fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.
Coming from a family of hypertensives, Gloria Espinosa admits to being remiss with her health. When she used to work, she would buy lunch at a fast-food joint. Fried dishes were the meals she served her husband and their two kids on weekends.
“I used to take maintenance medicine,” she says, “but I didn’t go to the doctor for regular checkups.”
So, when she experienced chest pains, shortness of breath, and fatigue, an angiogram performed at the Philippine Heart Center in February revealed significant blockages in three of her heart’s arteries. Doctors recommended an angioplasty with stent placement, a costly procedure for the 61-year-old mother.
“We didn’t have the funds for it,” says Espinosa, her voice breaking. “I was also worried for my son who’s still in school. I asked for a second chance so I could improve my health and look after my family.”
A co-worker who was helped by Tzu Chi told her about the foundation that extends assistance to those with limited to no resources. Espinosa qualified for Tzu Chi’s Medical Assistance Program, and on May 5, she underwent an angioplasty.
Since then, she’s stuck to a diet low in sodium and fat. Once quick to anger, she has learned to choose her battles by avoiding discussions that could lead to arguments. She also feels good enough to work again; a week after Charity Day, she was back to her job at a printing press.
“Without Tzu Chi, my life would not have been extended,” says an emotional Espinosa. “I owe them my new life.”
During her years as a call center agent with an online business on the side, 37-year-old Jesel Cagadas thrived under pressure, competition, and setting goals. “I also didn’t sleep well and I’m not fond of fruits and vegetables.”
In 2023, she felt what she assumed were signs of a panic attack. Instead, they were symptoms of severe mitral stenosis and severe aortic stenosis, or the narrowing of heart valves due to rheumatic heart disease. Unprepared for the P1-million quotation for open-heart surgery, she raised some funds through government aid.
Looking back, Cagadas had mixed feelings about her diagnosis. “Of course, there was anxiety and fear. I was also in denial. But along the way, people will come into your life to help you.”
One such was a patient from their support group at the Philippine Heart Center, who introduced her to Tzu Chi. “I was so amazed. The help didn’t end after the operation,” says Cagadas who underwent open-heart surgery last January. “After the procedure, they called me to ask how I was doing. Tzu Chi is a big help to me and others in need.”
In this new chapter of her life, she sleeps early so she can wake up in time to catch the healthy rays of the morning sun. She walks during the day and night in their community and now includes fruits and vegetables in her diet. “In terms of stress, I’ve stopped pleasing people,” she says. “I just want peace of mind.”
More importantly, the goal-oriented Cagadas is looking to channel her productivity on people and things that matter.
“Your foundation is inspiring,” she says. “God willing, if I am blessed, I plan to give back.”
Each beneficiary received two 10-kg sacks of rice and a bag of assorted groceries sponsored by Globe Telecom’s hunger-alleviating program, Hapag Movement.
June 1’s quarterly Charity Day saw 106 medical assistance beneficiaries attend the comprehensive talk “Face Off with the Silent Killer: Hypertension/Altapresyon.”
Tzu Chi International Medical Association volunteer cardiologist Dr. Ellen Tan-Cu gave a thorough discussion on high blood pressure.
Tzu Chi volunteer Melanie Mapili shares the vegetarian recipes of favorite Filipino dishes.
Tzu Chi gardener Crisostomo Dumlao gives tips on urban farming okra, kangkong, and other local vegetables. In 2009, he collapsed at work, prompting volunteers to rush him to the hospital. Diagnosed with complete heart block, hypertensive cardiovascular disease, and negative inspiratory force, he was implanted with a pacemaker in 2010, and underwent a replacement in 2022. Tzu Chi provided for his heart medicine.
Beneficiaries form groups, and with the help of Tzu Chi scholars, fill up an illustration of a heart with things and experiences that make them happy.
Tzu Chi scholars and Charity Day hosts Rayniel Manansala (left) and Leandro Peter Joshua Taton read notes on a wall that asks, “What do you do to take care of your heart?”
Medical assistance beneficiaries receive their maintenance medicines from Tzu Chi volunteers.
Globe Telecom Sustainability and Social Responsibility Manager Mark Alcantara (left) accepts a certificate of appreciation from Tzu Chi volunteer Molita Chua. Globe’s hunger-alleviating program, Hapag Movement, sponsored the sacks of rice and assorted groceries received by medical assistance beneficiaries who attended Charity Day.
A diagnosis of significant blockages in three of her heart’s arteries was a wake-up call for Gloria Espinosa (left), who worried for her son Matthew (right) who is still in school. “I asked for a second chance so I could improve my health and look after my family.” On May 5, she underwent angioplasty at the Philippine Heart Center.
Following open-heart surgery to replace her aortic and mitral valves, Jesel Cagadas has learned to take better care of herself. She eats healthier, sleeps well, and has started walking. “In terms of stress, I’ve stopped pleasing people,” she says. “I just want peace of mind.”
Medical assistance beneficiaries form an orderly line to claim their bags of rice and assorted groceries.
Tzu Chi volunteer Ken Chua (in gray) assists a medical assistance beneficiary with his sacks of rice.