10 years of RA 10747: A continuing call for inclusion and care

 

Today (March 3, 2026) marks the 10th year since the enactment of Republic Act 10747 or the Rare Diseases Act of the Philippines.

Ten years ago, the hope of the rare disease community reached a new high as legislation finally recognized rare diseases, and a whole-of-society approach was envisioned to address the needs of Filipinos living with a rare disease.

However, today’s milestone is also a continuing call for true health equity. While progress has been made, significant hurdles remain, specifically in establishing the rare disease registry, securing sustainable funding, providing social protection, and bridging access to specialized life-long treatment.

True equity means ensuring that the rarity of a diagnosis never determines the quality of care a patient receives.

As we look toward the next decade, our commitment must evolve from policy to practice. We enjoin the active collaboration of patient groups and professional societies in advancing treatment support. We also implore the government and pharmaceutical industry to invest in rare disease research and care.

Lastly, we honor the resilience of the rare disease community and our allies for pushing the full integration of rare disease management into Universal Health Care, and ensuring that every Filipino, regardless of their condition, has a fair shot at a quality, healthy, and meaningful life.

 

 

About the Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders (PSOD)

The Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders (PSOD) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to uphold the primary concerns and welfare of individuals with rare disorders in the Philippines by directly addressing, supporting, and protecting their health and general well-being. PSOD is dedicated to being the central network for the advocacy and effective coordination of all viable efforts to sustain a better quality of life for individuals with orphan or rare disorders.

To learn more about PSOD, visit http://www.psod.org.ph.