RD groups advocate accessible care for all at AZ Helps Academy

QUEZON CITY – Representatives of patient support groups, medical professionals, policymakers, and thought leaders gathered for the first module of the Health Leadership, Policy, Advocacy, and Sustainability (HELPS) Academy, organized by AstraZeneca Philippines, on November 20-21, 2025.

During the breakout session, the Rare Disease Core Group was composed of Ms. Sarah Gonzales (NF Philippines), Ms. Araceli Lanorio (NF Philippines), Mr. Jeremie Soriano (Acromegaly Philippines), Atty. Benedick Garcia (Senate of the Philippines), Dr. Audrey Lee (AstraZeneca), Dr. Robert Barja (Philippine Nurses Association), and Prof. Ma. Nieves Confessor (Former Secretary of DOLE).

The group focused on the needs of persons living with a rare disease, accessible health care for all, key stakeholders and partners, as well as the provisions of the Rare Diseases Act (RA 10747). During the presentation, Mr. Soriano also shared the healthcare journey of Acromegaly patients from uncertainty, diagnosis, treatment, acceptance, and advocacy.

The activity was also participated in by other patient support groups – kidney patients, breast cancer warriors, and lupus advocates, as well as representatives of key agencies of government instrumental in bridging the visions of patient advocates into policy and real change.

The PSOD is grateful to the organizers of the workshop for including the rare disease community in this initiative and providing an avenue for multi-stakeholder discussion, sharing of experiences, and collaboration.#

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 Rare Disease, visit http://www.psod.org.ph