𝐆𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐎𝐑 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐔𝐀𝐓𝐑𝐎 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐂𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐆𝐍 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄

For the first time in history, the Cebu Provincial Government illuminated the Cebu Provincial Capitol in purple at exactly 7:00 p.m. on February 28 in solidarity with the global “Light Up for Rare” campaign, held annually on the last day of February in observance of Rare Disease Day.

The symbolic lighting marks a significant milestone under the leadership of Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, reinforcing her administration’s strong commitment to inclusive healthcare and enhanced support systems for marginalized sectors, particularly individuals and families affected by rare diseases. According to Dr.Elisse Nicole Catalan, Capitol Piso Public Health Consultant, participating in initiatives such as “Light Up for Rare” is crucial in ensuring that patients with rare conditions receive proper recognition, support, and equitable attention similar to other medical conditions.

“These conditions are called rare diseases because only a small number of individuals share the same diagnosis. However, there is something we can do, early detection is key to preventing the condition from worsening,” Dr. Catalan emphasized. In the Philippines, a disease is classified as rare if it affects no more than one in every 20,000 individuals. Globally, more than 7,000 rare diseases have been identified, affecting an estimated 300 million people worldwide. Approximately 80 percent of these conditions are genetic in origin, while 75 percent affect children. On average, patients wait up to eight years before receiving an accurate diagnosis. Despite the significant number of people affected, only a small fraction of rare diseases currently have approved treatments. The purple illumination stands as a powerful symbol of unity and solidarity with Filipino families living with rare conditions, many of whom face delayed diagnosis, limited access to treatment, and lack of public awareness.  By taking part in this global movement, Cebu sends a clear message that no patient is too rare to matter.

“This initiative goes beyond simply lighting the Capitol in purple. Governor Pam wants to actively engage with rare disease groups so the Province can better understand the kind of assistance they need from the Cebu Provincial Government,” Dr. Catalan added. The country also observes National Rare Disease Week every last week of February pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1989. The Rare Diseases Act of the Philippines, together with the Universal Health Care Act and the Newborn Screening Act, provides legal and structural support for early detection, improved access to healthcare services, and recognition of persons with rare diseases as persons with disabilities. “Under Governor Baricuatro’s leadership, the Province of Cebu will continue strengthening its healthcare system through expanded services, policy alignment with national mandates, and multi-sectoral collaboration to ensure that no Cebuano is left behind,” Dr. Catalan concluded.

Purple, the international color for rare disease awareness, represents unity, courage, and hope, values aligned with the Province of Cebu’s ongoing efforts to provide fair and equitable healthcare services.