“Timely knowledge and action can save lives and limbs.” This was the message of Pampanga Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda as she expressed support for a community lecture on diabetic foot care led by Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC) in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Provincial Government of Pampanga on Friday, August 30, 2025.

Governor Pineda stressed that raising community awareness and strengthening preventive practices are crucial in detecting and managing diabetic foot ulcers early—one of the most serious complications of diabetes that can lead to amputation if left untreated.

“We need to equip our frontliners and communities with the right information to prevent cases from escalating to conditions that require tertiary care,” she said.

The lecture formed part of ongoing efforts to fight diabetes, one of the top 10 deadliest diseases in the Philippines. It gathered doctors, nurses, barangay health workers, community volunteers, and LGU representatives, who play a key role in patient education and early intervention.

The program featured lectures and demonstrations from medical experts including DOH Regional Director Dr. Corazon I. Flores, Dr. Emiliano B. Tablante, Dr. John Antolin TS Go, Dr. Paolo M. Ramirez, Dra. Moonyen Almira Panganiban, Dr. Adrian Joseph Tablante, Dra. Zakhira Mar R. Zipagan, Dr. Ryan Jasper Ngo, Dr. Daveric De Jesus, and Dr. Lorenz Rael D. Cruz.

Through this collaboration, JRRMMC, DOH, and the Pampanga LGU reaffirmed their commitment to combating diabetes and improving health outcomes by **empowering communities with timely, actionable knowledge.