NATIONAL RARE DISEASE WEEK 2026
Message from the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations
My warmest greetings to the Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders, Inc. (PSOD) and the entire rare disease community as we observe the 17th National Rare Disease Week.
The theme for this year, “More Than You Can Imagine,” is a poignant reminder of the lived realities of over 300 million people worldwide. For many Filipino families, a rare disease diagnosis brings challenges that are often invisible to the public—navigating complex medical systems, seeking specialized expertise that is often far from home, and bearing the weight of lifelong care.
As we celebrate the progress made since Presidential Proclamation 1989, we must also push for a future where “patient-centered care” is not just a goal, but a reality. Our healthcare system must evolve so that services are built around the patient, ensuring that those in the provinces have the same access to experts and life-saving treatments as those in our cities. No patient should have to travel beyond their means just to be seen and heard.
We stand in solidarity with PSOD in your mission to be the central network of hope. By sharing these stories, we do more than raise awareness; we build a more inclusive Philippines where every individual, no matter how rare their condition, is given the dignity and support they deserve.
Congratulations to PSOD for 20 years of unwavering advocacy. Together, we can create a world of support that is truly more than they can imagine.
CHRISTOPHER MUÑOZ
President
Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations