The Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP) – Iloilo Chapter used the Healthy Lungs for Life grant to engage their local community in a number of ways. Learn more about their activities.
The Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP) – Iloilo Chapter organised two events using the Healthy Lungs for Life 2025 grant with the aim of raising awareness on lung diseases, preventive care and environmental health.
The “Roots for Lungs: Mangrove Planting for Clean Air and Healthy Lungs” event was co-organised with the Leganes Clinical Research (LCR). This was the first of their activities and saw Iloilo health groups come together to plant mangroves. Mangroves are known as nature’s air filters, absorbing carbon dioxide and other pollutants and providing cleaner air.
More than 75 volunteers got involved and successfully planted 550 mangrove propagules, surpassing its initial target of 500. Educational leaflets on clean air, lung disease prevention, smoking cessation and vaccination were also shared during the event.
For their second initiative, PCCP held a poster-making competition in local schools, a creative advocacy event designed to educate
and inspire young people to fight for cleaner air. Over 150 students, teachers and parents attended the event, where they were given two hours to complete their entries. Pulmonologists observed and engaged with students about the effects of air pollution on lung health during this time.
PCCP-Iloilo plans to expand the campaign to more municipalities and integrate clean-air education into school programs. Future activities include community talks, tree-planting drives, and clean air monitoring initiatives.
