A new life-saving initiative, Champions of Children’s Optimal (COCO) Heart Health, was officially launched at the House of Representatives last November 19, marking a milestone in raising awareness about pediatric heart health and the importance of preventive cardiovascular care.
Founded by PJ and Ramelyn Francisco in memory of their 12-year-old son Coco, who tragically passed away this year from heart disease, the COCO Advocacy seeks to empower families and communities to prioritize children’s heart health.
“We are driven by a personal loss, but our mission is one of hope and action,” said Ramelyn Francisco. “Today, we begin as a small voice, but we envision this growing into a resounding movement advocating for healthier futures for our children.”
Rep. Angelica Natasha Co of the BHW Partylist, Coco’s godmother and Chairperson of the Committee on the Welfare of Children, delivered a heartfelt opening message. “The choices we make today—providing balanced meals, encouraging active play, and ensuring regular health checkups—are the cornerstones of a brighter tomorrow,” she emphasized.
The Philippines faces a significant challenge in pediatric heart health. Annually, approximately 20,000 children are born with congenital heart disease (CHD), with one in four of these patients succumbing to the condition due to lack of medical treatment. CHD remains one of the top ten leading causes of pediatric morbidity and mortality in the country.
To address these concerns, COCO Advocacy announced its plan to roll out campaigns in the coming months. These initiatives will focus on providing lay education and making heart health promotion more relatable to young minds. Through engaging activities, partnerships, and community outreach, COCO aims to foster a culture of awareness and preventive care among children and their families.
The event featured keynote speakers who shared insights on building a foundation for lifelong heart health:
Dr. Alberto Atilano, Director of the Foundation for Lay Education on Heart Diseases, highlighted the critical need for primordial prevention. “Government strategies are evolving to focus not just on treating heart disease but preventing it entirely,” Dr. Atilano said. “This shift requires collaboration among families, local communities, and policymakers.”
Mr. Harvie de Baron, a nutrition specialist, captivated the audience with actionable advice on healthy eating habits for children. During his presentation, he highlighted everyday consumer products that often contain harmful ingredients, which may negatively affect heart health in the long run.
“People need to be intentional in their eating habits,” he said, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness in choosing what to consume. “Teaching kids to ‘eat brightly and live right’ is the key to sustainable, lifelong wellness, and maintaining a balanced diet is a must,” he shared.
The launch coincided with the celebration of National Children’s Month and was attended by students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and De La Salle Santiago Zobel School.
