The Philippine Heart Association (PHA) Central Luzon Chapter formally launched its HEART Alliance, a flagship initiative aimed at strengthening prevention and early response to cardiovascular diseases, during the induction of its new leadership.

At the center of the ceremony, Dr. Michelle Nieves took her oath as the 19th president and the fifth female president of the PHA Central Luzon Chapter for 2026–2027. The induction of officers was led by PHA National President Dr. Aurora Gamponia.

The newly launched HEART Alliance—Health Education, Advocacy, Research, and Transformation Alliance—was introduced as a multi-sectoral program designed to promote cardiovascular health through collaboration among cardiologists, pediatricians, OB-GYNs, family physicians, occupational medicine specialists, dentists, local government units, schools, barangays, and other community stakeholders.

The program will focus on youth empowerment, women’s cardiovascular health, workplace wellness, community screening, and research initiatives to expand access to preventive heart care.

With the theme “Healthy Hearts, Empowered Communities,” the initiative underscores efforts to intensify the fight against cardiovascular diseases in homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.

Dr. Gamponia also highlighted the national priorities of the PHA, including the “One Cardiologist for Every City and Province” program, hands-only CPR training, and the Rheumatic Heart Disease PH Eradication Program.

She noted that more than half of the PHA’s 2,500 members are based in Metro Manila, while an estimated one cardiologist serves every 44,000 Filipinos nationwide.

The association also aims to establish 14 new sub-chapters in provinces currently without heart specialists within the next year, including Dinagat Islands and Camiguin.