Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the seventh leading cause of death in the Philippines, with an estimated one in 10 Filipinos aged 40 and above living with the disease. Despite its prevalence, many cases remain undiagnosed until symptoms have already worsened. To help address this challenge, AstraZeneca Philippines and the Quezon City Government have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) formally launching the Juan Healthy Lung COPD Screening Program in the city.

Quezon City teams up with AstraZeneca

This public-private initiative aims to expand risk assessment, healthcare worker education and disease awareness across Quezon City to address the significant underdiagnosis of COPD.

“COPD is a growing health challenge. Many Filipinos are often diagnosed late when symptoms have already begun to affect their lives,” said Lotis Ramin, Country President, AstraZeneca Philippines. “At AstraZeneca, we have a bold ambition to transform how chronic respiratory diseases are detected and managed. Through the Juan Healthy Lung Program, we are focusing on early detection, better patient support and preventing complications so that patients live longer, healthier lives.”

Home to more than three million residents, Quezon City continues to invest in programs that strengthen access to healthcare services at the community level.

“Every healthy community is built not only by treating disease, but by preventing it,” said Joy Belmonte, Quezon City Mayor. “When we help one person breathe easier, provide for their family, and live a healthier life, the benefits extend far beyond the individual. They strengthen the entire community.”

Mayor Joy Belmonte, along with AstraZeneca Philippines Country President Lotis Ramin, signed an MOA expressing their joint commitment to improving lung health outcomes for QC residents.

A public-private response

COPD is a chronic, progressive disease that narrows the airways and damages lung tissue, making it increasingly harder to breathe over time. In the Philippines, smoking remains the leading driver with approximately 16.3 million smokers nationwide, though exposure to air pollutants, biomass fuel, and occupational hazards also contributes significantly. The risk is particularly pronounced in urban areas: studies indicate COPD prevalence among smokers in Metro Manila reaches 40%, compared to 28% in rural communities, yet many receive a diagnosis only after the disease has already advanced, limiting the window for early intervention and delaying appropriate care.

The Juan Healthy Lung COPD Screening Program brings together AstraZeneca’s expertise in respiratory health and the Quezon City Government’s extensive community health infrastructure to address COPD at the grassroots level. The program will deliver COPD risk assessments and screenings, training for healthcare workers on early identification, patient and community awareness campaigns and the development of referral pathways to connect at-risk individuals with proper treatment.

“Many patients remain undiagnosed until symptoms have already progressed, limiting opportunities for early intervention and appropriate care,” said Dr. Cyril Tolosa, Medical Affairs Director, AstraZeneca Philippines. “By bringing screening, education, and support closer to where people live, this initiative aims to help more QCitizens access timely care, improve health outcomes, and take an important step toward building healthier and more

resilient communities.”AstraZeneca Medical Affairs Director, Dr. Cyril Tolosa, said the Juan Healthy Lung COPD Screening Program will bring early detection and timely care to the residents of Quezon City.

As the program rolls out, the Quezon City Government and AstraZeneca will monitor reach and outcomes to strengthen community-based lung health efforts over time. Quezon City residents are encouraged to stay updated through official channels for information on COPD awareness activities, screening opportunities, and program updates under the Juan Healthy Lung Program.

This is a press release. Minor edits have been made by the 8List.ph editorial team.