THE Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO), in partnership with the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), held the inaugural Philippine Patients Congress on August 29 to 30, 2024. Themed 'Hand in Hand for Universal Health Care,' the event gathered 300 patient advocates, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and representatives from government, academia, and the private sector to enhance patient advocacy and push for Universal Health Care (UHC).

Karen Alparce-Villanueva, PAPO president, highlighted the power of collective effort, stating, 'With our hands, we have the power to help, heal, serve, and support.' She emphasized the congress's theme of unity in advancing UHC in the Philippines.