December 3 is International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a global reminder that inclusion is achieved not by spirit but by systems. For millions of persons with disabilities (PWDs), inequality persists because social and health policies are unevenly implemented or under-resourced.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that people with disabilities are twice as likely to develop chronic health conditions and may die 20 years earlier than people without disabilities. These severe disparities do not arise from disability itself, but from avoidable inequities such as stigma, discrimination, lack of access to preventive care, exclusion from education and employment, and weak health systems.
There were approximately 2.4 million registered persons with disabilities in the Philippines as of September this year, while UNICEF estimates that 1.6 million Filipino children are living with a disability. Yet their families, particularly parents and caregivers, who endure the daily realities of disability, often remain largely invisible in policy discussions.
Caring for a disabled child brings changes to the home. Finding specific therapies, assistive devices, medical consultations, transportation costs, and inclusive schooling requires both time and cost. fifinancial sacredfiCE. Many parents reduce work hours or leave employment altogether, leading to long-term economic insecurity.
Caregivers routinely face fragmented services, limited rehabilitation facilities, unclear referral pathways, and a lack of local government programs that meet the needs of families. Emotional stress, burnout, and isolation are predictable outcomes when systems do not support those who provide large amounts of care.
Despite these obstacles, parents and caregivers persevere. The research-based pharmaceutical industry is supporting their journey by investing in accessible treatments, inclusive research and holistic support systems that respect the dignity of every child and every caregiver.
An example of meaningful action came when Merck Philippines partnered with Special Olympics Pilipinas (SOP) to hold the Unified Bocce Inter-Club Tournament at the Binan City Senior High School-West Campus in Laguna in October. While SOP athletes – children and adults with intellectual disabilities – competed on the bocce court, their caregivers participated in a session that focused on something often overlooked: their own health.
SOP is a nonprofiThe organization provides year-round sports training and athletic competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Its programs aim to promote inclusion, confidence and overall well-being among SOP athletes, while also recognizing the important contribution of their carers and families.
The program, “She Matters: Healthy Women, Embracing Caregivers,” is part of Merck's broader She Matters initiative advancing women's health. More than 50 caregivers, primarily mothers, joined to discuss cardiometabolic and thyroid diseases and practical strategies for prevention, caring topics that are often neglected among people focused solely on their family's needs.
“Behind every Special Olympics athlete is a caregiver whose love and dedication makes inclusion possible. Through She Matters, we honor these women – not just as caregivers, but as individuals who deserve care, attention and health support,” said Martha Paez, managing director of Merck Philippines and board member of the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP).
Dr. Joy A., Senior Medical Manager, Merck Philippines. Tabula said: “Caring for others starts with taking care of ourselves. When caregivers are healthy – physically, emotionally and mentally – their loved ones thrive, too.”
The Philippines already has landmark legislation to support people with disabilities. One is Republic Act 7277 (Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities) which ensures the rights to health, education, employment, and social services. It mandates a national PWD registry to streamline access to benefitsfiT.S.
The second is Republic Act 11228, which is in line with the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act, which requires PhilHealth (Philippine Health Insurance Corporation) to develop dedicated health packages and rehabilitation programs for the disabled.
There are opportunities to strengthen support for persons with disabilities and their caregivers. First, to fully operationalize the National PWD Registry to ensure that benefits are accessible without undue bureaucracy. The second is to expand community-based rehabilitation (CBR) and early intervention services, supported by LGU budgets and national technical guidance. The third is to develop comprehensive PhilHealth benefitsfiThe T package for the disabled clearly covers medical, assistive devices and follow-up care.
Other measures include increased investment in inclusive education, particularly SPED-trained teachers and accessible learning environments. It would also be beneficial to provide financial relief for carers, including transport subsidies, carer allowances, respite care and tax deductions for disability-related expenses. Additionally, training frontline workers in disability-responsive services ensures that families receive timely, coordinated support. Finally, it is imperative to strengthen partnerships with civil society, NGOs and the private sector to pursue programs for the upliftment of both persons with disabilities and caregivers.
PHAP and its member companies contribute to strengthening research and development, improving access to treatments for non-communicable diseases, supporting public-private collaborations, and advocating for inclusive health systems. These efforts help create structures that support individuals with disabilities and the caregivers whose efforts maintain them.
When caregivers are supported, children with disabilities have better health outcomes, improved educational opportunities and strengthened prospects for full participation in society. Families become more resilient. Communities become more inclusive.
Therefore, caring for caregivers is a strategic investment in human capital, social cohesion and national development.
Teodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines, which represents the biopharmaceutical drugs and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are at the forefront of the development, investment and delivery of innovative medicines, vaccines and diagnostics to help Filipinos live healthier and more productive lives.
