MANILA, Philippines — Ischaemic heart diseases remained the leading cause of death in the Philippines from January to March 2026, accounting for 23,448 deaths or 21.2 percent of all recorded deaths during the period, according to provisional data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) cited by Organon Philippines.
Cerebrovascular diseases were also among the country's top three causes of death, the company said.
In observance of World Heart Day 2026, Organon Philippines provided its employees with voluntary, hands-on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training at the Philippine Heart Center.
The session combined demonstrations with practical exercises designed to help employees respond during cardiac emergencies.
Employees who successfully completed the training received a Certificate of Completion for the CPR for Lay Rescuers Course from the Philippine Heart Center's Education and Training Department, according to Organon Philippines.
Organon Philippines Country Manager Emman Tiglao said the training was intended to give employees a practical skill they could use beyond the workplace.
“World Heart Day reminds us that protecting health goes beyond awareness. Sometimes, it means being prepared to act when someone needs help most. By giving our employees the opportunity to learn CPR, we want to equip them with a practical skill that they can carry beyond the workplace, to their homes, families and communities,” Tiglao said.
This year's World Heart Day theme is “Don't Miss a Beat,” highlighting the importance of recognizing cardiovascular disease and its signs and symptoms, according to Organon Philippines.
World Heart Day is observed every Sept. 29, with the campaign led by the World Heart Federation to raise awareness and spur action against cardiovascular disease.
Organon Philippines said the training also forms part of its employee engagement program and its broader health advocacy, including its global advocacy around women's cardiovascular health.
“Cardiovascular health is something that concerns all of us. While Organon continues to advocate for greater attention to women’s health needs, initiatives like this remind us that everyone has a role to play in building healthier and more prepared communities,” Tiglao said.
“By equipping our employees with practical, life-saving skills, we hope they can carry that knowledge beyond the workplace and be ready to make a difference when it matters most,” he added.
