Christopher Munoz
President
Leads the alliance's advocacy for rare disease and patient-centered health policy, representing patients in national technical working groups.
About PAPO
Strengthening the voice of Filipino patients.
Our story
A unifying body with one voice
A unifying body with one voice that supports and strengthens patients’ organizations.
PAPO is a coalition of patient organizations advocating for universal access to healthcare and allied services. As the umbrella of disease-specific patient groups in the Philippines, it works so that patients, carers and communities are represented in the decisions that shape their care.
To serve as a strong and active network of patient groups that will empower Filipino patients to advocate for their rights and become productive members of society.
History
How PAPO grew into a national alliance
From an advocacy project to an umbrella organization shaping health policy and building the capacity of patient groups.
PAPO Origins
A consumer-based Health Care Advocacy Project brought patient groups together around a shared realization: patients needed one organized voice in Philippine healthcare.
Organizational Development
Founding patient leaders formalized the alliance, defined its objectives and built the governance structures that allow disease-specific groups to work as one.
Patient Advocacy
PAPO grew into a national platform for patient rights, health information and peer support across a widening network of member organizations.
Policy Engagement
The alliance took seats in technical working groups, councils and coalitions shaping health policy, including the implementation of the Universal Health Care Act and the National Integrated Cancer Control Act.
Partnerships
PAPO partnered with government agencies, academe, private corporations and NGOs, and joined international alliances such as IAPO, Duke-NUS CORE, CAPE and UICC.
Present-Day PAPO
Today PAPO is the umbrella of dozens of patient organizations representing about one million Filipino patients, convening national gatherings such as the Philippine Patient Congress.
Objectives
What the alliance sets out to do
Create a registry and database of patients and patient organizations in the Philippines
Provide information on patient rights
Serve as a forum for patient issues, laws and policies
Help patients access and utilize PhilHealth services
Participate meaningfully in health policymaking
Safeguard laws and policies affecting patients
Partner with local and international stakeholders
Serve as a clearinghouse for patient information
Support patients and persons with disabilities in accessing relevant services
Provide training and capacity building for patient organizations
Leadership
Board of Trustees & Advisory Board
Patient advocates and leaders elected by member organizations to guide the alliance.
Einstein Rojas
Vice President
Works on patient organization development and community mobilization across member groups nationwide.
Araceli Lanorio
Secretary
Coordinates alliance governance, documentation and communication with member organizations.
Marimel Lamsin
Treasurer
Oversees stewardship of alliance resources and financial accountability to members and partners.
Janet Francisco-Kochis
Trustee
Supports member engagement and programs that build the capacity of patient leaders.
Arsenia Torres
Trustee
Champions patient education and access to reliable health information in local communities.
Atty. Millette Asuncion-Arnedo
Trustee & Legal Counsel
Provides legal guidance on patient rights, health legislation and organizational compliance.
Karen Alparce-Villanueva
Immediate Past President, Advisory Board
Long-time patient advocate who guided PAPO's growth as a national voice for patients.
Girlie Garcia-Lorenzo
Founding President, Advisory Board
Helped found PAPO and continues to mentor patient leaders in advocacy and organization building.
Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala
Advisory Board
Cancer advocate and communicator advancing patient storytelling and public awareness.
Nelia Medina
Advisory Board
Advocate for patient support networks and community-based health education.
Nothing About Us Without Us.
Join the movement to strengthen the voice of Filipino patients.
#OneVoicePAPO · #nothingaboutuswithoutUS