Philippine College of Lifestyle Medicine champions preventive care at 2025 Annual Convention
12 Dec 2025
By Ronald Allan M. Ponteres, MD, MBAH
Clark, Pampanga, December 2–4, 2025 — The Philippine College of Lifestyle Medicine (PCLM) convened its ninth annual convention at Quest Plus Conference Center in Clark, Pampanga, gathering more than 350 delegates from across the country. Under the theme “Optimizing Preventive and Lifestyle Medicine in Health Care Delivery,” the three-day event underscored the growing importance of lifestyle medicine in addressing the Philippines’ escalating burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Lifestyle medicine: A specialty on the rise
Founded in 2015, PCLM is an affiliate specialty society of the Philippine Medical Association under the umbrella of the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians. PCLM promotes lifestyle interventions as primary therapeutic tools for preventing, treating, and managing chronic diseases. Its six pillars—nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, and positive social connections—formed the backbone of discussions throughout the convention.
LM is gaining traction globally as evidence mounts that lifestyle-related factors account for the majority of chronic disease cases. In the Philippines, where eight of the top ten causes of morbidity are NCDs, the need for preventive strategies has never been more urgent. PCLM’s mission is to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools to integrate these interventions into clinical practice, shifting the focus from reactive treatment to proactive prevention.
Day 1: Pre-conference learning and certification
The opening day featured three parallel pre-conference sessions designed to provide practical, evidence-based strategies for clinicians:
• Culinary Medicine explored the gut-brain-immune axis, highlighting how dietary patterns influence microbiome diversity and systemic health. A hands-on cooking workshop reinforced practical applications for patient care, demonstrating how plant-based diets can reduce inflammation and improve metabolic outcomes.
• Fitness Medicine addressed physical inactivity as a major risk factor for chronic conditions, offering simple exercise routines adaptable to home and workplace settings. Delegates learned how to prescribe movement as medicine, emphasizing its role in cardiovascular health and mental well-being.
• Positive Psychology focused on substance use disorders, reframing addiction as a health condition rather than a moral failing. Coaching strategies for risky substance use reduction and cessation were emphasized, alongside discussions on stigma reduction and patient-centered care.
The afternoon plenary showcased research presentations by LM physicians, demonstrating the efficacy of lifestyle interventions in managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity. The day concluded with the conferment of new Certified Practitioners, Diplomates, and Fellows—graduates of PCLM’s rigorous training programs who will continue to advocate for LM nationwide.
Day 2: Main conference and legislative milestone
PCLM President Dr. Mechelle Palma opened the main conference by emphasizing the urgency of preventive care. “Lifestyle medicine does not only heal individuals but extends to families, communities, and public health,” she said, calling for accessibility, especially for at-risk populations. Her vision: a national shift from treatment-focused systems to health-oriented care.
A major highlight was the presentation of House Bill 2943, the proposed Preventive and Lifestyle Medicine Act of the Philippines, authored by Congresswoman-Doctor Kathryn Joyce Gorriceta (2nd District, Iloilo). The bill seeks to institutionalize LM across all levels of care—primordial, outpatient, inpatient, and post-care—through multidisciplinary collaboration. Key provisions include:
• Government-led programs promoting lifestyle interventions.
• Community-based initiatives embedded in local health systems.
• Intersectoral implementation involving the Departments of Health, Agriculture, Interior and Local Government, and other related agencies.
• PhilHealth coverage for LM packages to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
• Curriculum integration in medical and allied health education to build competencies.
Gorriceta underscored the urgency of the measure, citing that most causes of morbidity and mortality in the Philippines are NCDs, imposing heavy financial burdens on individuals and the government. “Prevention should be an economic strategy,” she noted, arguing that Universal Health Care cannot succeed without prioritizing lifestyle interventions.
Philippine Medical Association President Dr. Hector Santos echoed this stance, urging collaboration between PMA and LM practitioners. He highlighted LM as a cost-saving approach that complements pharmacologic regimens in managing conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
Panel discussion: Multisectoral collaboration
A high-level panel explored strategies for optimizing preventive and LM across specialties. Discussants included:
• Dr. Kathryn Joyce Gorriceta (House of Representatives)
• Dr. Erlyn Demerre (Philippine Heart Association)
• Dr. Rhodora Valenzona (Philippine Society of Nephrology)
• Dr. Josefina Lapena (Philippine Academy of Family Physicians)
• Dr. Michelle Almeida (Philippine Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine)
• Dr. Michael Dizon (Philippine Academic Society of Social and Community Medicine)
Moderated by Dr. Mechelle Palma, the discussion emphasized the need for policy integration, professional networks, and unified systems to advance preventive care. Panelists agreed that LM should be embedded in clinical pathways and community programs to achieve sustainable health outcomes. They also highlighted the importance of interprofessional collaboration, noting that primary and specialty care all intersect with lifestyle-based interventions.
Breakout sessions: Clinical applications
The afternoon featured multiple breakout sessions addressing lifestyle-focused interventions for chronic conditions and emerging health challenges. Topics included metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents, menopause, polycystic ovarian syndrome, gadget addiction, chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease, dyslipidemia, hypertension, heart failure, and obesity. Literature and case studies illustrated how LM complements conventional treatment, improving patient outcomes and reducing long-term costs.
Delegates engaged in interactive discussions on integrating lifestyle prescriptions into routine care, designing patient education programs, and leveraging technology for remote monitoring and coaching. These sessions reinforced the practical applicability of LM across diverse clinical settings.
The day concluded with a fellowship night that embodied LM principles: plant-based cuisine, substance-free games, Mamma Mia-themed dance party and social networking in a stress-free environment.
Day 3: Community engagement and best practices
The final day began with “Walk With A Doc,” a nature walk promoting physical activity and social connection. Plenary sessions showcased successful LM models:
• Community-Engaged Programs in Alegria-Cebu and Caritas Philippines, demonstrating grassroots approaches to health promotion.
• Practice Models at St. Paul’s Hospital Iloilo and DMIRIE Foundation-SPMC, highlighting institutional integration of LM.
• Digital LM Care initiatives by Davao Medical School Foundation, leveraging telehealth to expand access.
• Undergraduate Education integration at Cebu Doctor’s University, ensuring future healthcare professionals are trained in preventive care.
A special lecture by Dr. Cecilia Jimeno (Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism) reframed diabetes and cardiovascular risk management, advocating remission-focused goals through lifestyle interventions. She emphasized that early adoption of lifestyle changes can reverse disease progression, reduce medication dependence, and improve quality of life.
Implications for healthcare delivery
The convention reinforced LM’s role in addressing the country’s NCD burden. By shifting from reactive treatment to proactive prevention, healthcare systems can reduce hospitalizations, lower costs, and improve quality of life. Legislative support through HB 2943 could institutionalize these strategies, aligning with global trends toward value-based care.
Experts agreed that LM is not an alternative but a complement to conventional care, enhancing outcomes when integrated into multidisciplinary practice. Its emphasis on patient empowerment and behavioral change aligns with the principles of Universal Health Care, making it a cornerstone of sustainable health systems.
Looking ahead
As PCLM enters its tenth year, its advocacy for LM resonates more strongly than ever. With growing evidence, legislative momentum, and multisectoral collaboration, the vision of a healthier Philippines—where prevention is prioritized and health is a shared responsibility—appears within reach. The challenge now lies in translating policy into practice, scaling community programs, and embedding LM into every level of care.
Clark, Pampanga, December 2–4, 2025 — The Philippine College of Lifestyle Medicine (PCLM) convened its ninth annual convention at Quest Plus Conference Center in Clark, Pampanga, gathering more than 350 delegates from across the country. Under the theme “Optimizing Preventive and Lifestyle Medicine in Health Care Delivery,” the three-day event underscored the growing importance of lifestyle medicine in addressing the Philippines’ escalating burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Lifestyle medicine: A specialty on the rise
Founded in 2015, PCLM is an affiliate specialty society of the Philippine Medical Association under the umbrella of the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians. PCLM promotes lifestyle interventions as primary therapeutic tools for preventing, treating, and managing chronic diseases. Its six pillars—nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, and positive social connections—formed the backbone of discussions throughout the convention.
LM is gaining traction globally as evidence mounts that lifestyle-related factors account for the majority of chronic disease cases. In the Philippines, where eight of the top ten causes of morbidity are NCDs, the need for preventive strategies has never been more urgent. PCLM’s mission is to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools to integrate these interventions into clinical practice, shifting the focus from reactive treatment to proactive prevention.
Day 1: Pre-conference learning and certification
The opening day featured three parallel pre-conference sessions designed to provide practical, evidence-based strategies for clinicians:
• Culinary Medicine explored the gut-brain-immune axis, highlighting how dietary patterns influence microbiome diversity and systemic health. A hands-on cooking workshop reinforced practical applications for patient care, demonstrating how plant-based diets can reduce inflammation and improve metabolic outcomes.
• Fitness Medicine addressed physical inactivity as a major risk factor for chronic conditions, offering simple exercise routines adaptable to home and workplace settings. Delegates learned how to prescribe movement as medicine, emphasizing its role in cardiovascular health and mental well-being.
• Positive Psychology focused on substance use disorders, reframing addiction as a health condition rather than a moral failing. Coaching strategies for risky substance use reduction and cessation were emphasized, alongside discussions on stigma reduction and patient-centered care.
The afternoon plenary showcased research presentations by LM physicians, demonstrating the efficacy of lifestyle interventions in managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity. The day concluded with the conferment of new Certified Practitioners, Diplomates, and Fellows—graduates of PCLM’s rigorous training programs who will continue to advocate for LM nationwide.
Day 2: Main conference and legislative milestone
PCLM President Dr. Mechelle Palma opened the main conference by emphasizing the urgency of preventive care. “Lifestyle medicine does not only heal individuals but extends to families, communities, and public health,” she said, calling for accessibility, especially for at-risk populations. Her vision: a national shift from treatment-focused systems to health-oriented care.
A major highlight was the presentation of House Bill 2943, the proposed Preventive and Lifestyle Medicine Act of the Philippines, authored by Congresswoman-Doctor Kathryn Joyce Gorriceta (2nd District, Iloilo). The bill seeks to institutionalize LM across all levels of care—primordial, outpatient, inpatient, and post-care—through multidisciplinary collaboration. Key provisions include:
• Government-led programs promoting lifestyle interventions.
• Community-based initiatives embedded in local health systems.
• Intersectoral implementation involving the Departments of Health, Agriculture, Interior and Local Government, and other related agencies.
• PhilHealth coverage for LM packages to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
• Curriculum integration in medical and allied health education to build competencies.
Gorriceta underscored the urgency of the measure, citing that most causes of morbidity and mortality in the Philippines are NCDs, imposing heavy financial burdens on individuals and the government. “Prevention should be an economic strategy,” she noted, arguing that Universal Health Care cannot succeed without prioritizing lifestyle interventions.
Philippine Medical Association President Dr. Hector Santos echoed this stance, urging collaboration between PMA and LM practitioners. He highlighted LM as a cost-saving approach that complements pharmacologic regimens in managing conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
Panel discussion: Multisectoral collaboration
A high-level panel explored strategies for optimizing preventive and LM across specialties. Discussants included:
• Dr. Kathryn Joyce Gorriceta (House of Representatives)
• Dr. Erlyn Demerre (Philippine Heart Association)
• Dr. Rhodora Valenzona (Philippine Society of Nephrology)
• Dr. Josefina Lapena (Philippine Academy of Family Physicians)
• Dr. Michelle Almeida (Philippine Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine)
• Dr. Michael Dizon (Philippine Academic Society of Social and Community Medicine)
Moderated by Dr. Mechelle Palma, the discussion emphasized the need for policy integration, professional networks, and unified systems to advance preventive care. Panelists agreed that LM should be embedded in clinical pathways and community programs to achieve sustainable health outcomes. They also highlighted the importance of interprofessional collaboration, noting that primary and specialty care all intersect with lifestyle-based interventions.
Breakout sessions: Clinical applications
The afternoon featured multiple breakout sessions addressing lifestyle-focused interventions for chronic conditions and emerging health challenges. Topics included metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents, menopause, polycystic ovarian syndrome, gadget addiction, chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease, dyslipidemia, hypertension, heart failure, and obesity. Literature and case studies illustrated how LM complements conventional treatment, improving patient outcomes and reducing long-term costs.
Delegates engaged in interactive discussions on integrating lifestyle prescriptions into routine care, designing patient education programs, and leveraging technology for remote monitoring and coaching. These sessions reinforced the practical applicability of LM across diverse clinical settings.
The day concluded with a fellowship night that embodied LM principles: plant-based cuisine, substance-free games, Mamma Mia-themed dance party and social networking in a stress-free environment.
Day 3: Community engagement and best practices
The final day began with “Walk With A Doc,” a nature walk promoting physical activity and social connection. Plenary sessions showcased successful LM models:
• Community-Engaged Programs in Alegria-Cebu and Caritas Philippines, demonstrating grassroots approaches to health promotion.
• Practice Models at St. Paul’s Hospital Iloilo and DMIRIE Foundation-SPMC, highlighting institutional integration of LM.
• Digital LM Care initiatives by Davao Medical School Foundation, leveraging telehealth to expand access.
• Undergraduate Education integration at Cebu Doctor’s University, ensuring future healthcare professionals are trained in preventive care.
A special lecture by Dr. Cecilia Jimeno (Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism) reframed diabetes and cardiovascular risk management, advocating remission-focused goals through lifestyle interventions. She emphasized that early adoption of lifestyle changes can reverse disease progression, reduce medication dependence, and improve quality of life.
Implications for healthcare delivery
The convention reinforced LM’s role in addressing the country’s NCD burden. By shifting from reactive treatment to proactive prevention, healthcare systems can reduce hospitalizations, lower costs, and improve quality of life. Legislative support through HB 2943 could institutionalize these strategies, aligning with global trends toward value-based care.
Experts agreed that LM is not an alternative but a complement to conventional care, enhancing outcomes when integrated into multidisciplinary practice. Its emphasis on patient empowerment and behavioral change aligns with the principles of Universal Health Care, making it a cornerstone of sustainable health systems.
Looking ahead
As PCLM enters its tenth year, its advocacy for LM resonates more strongly than ever. With growing evidence, legislative momentum, and multisectoral collaboration, the vision of a healthier Philippines—where prevention is prioritized and health is a shared responsibility—appears within reach. The challenge now lies in translating policy into practice, scaling community programs, and embedding LM into every level of care.