MANILA — Mark Villar has raised alarm over what he described as a looming public health crisis, filing Senate Resolution No. 313 to seek an urgent inquiry, in aid of legislation, into the growing prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in the Philippines, particularly among young Filipinos.

Villar cited data from the Department of Health (DOH) indicating that CKD cases are affecting increasingly younger patients.

“Ayon sa Department of Health, pabata nang pabata ang tinatamaan ng CKD sa bansa—may reports din po tayong natatanggap na nine years old pa lang ay may malubhang sakit na agad sa bato,” Villar stressed.

While existing policies aim to address CKD, Villar said gaps remain in the country’s prevention and response strategies. He noted that the growing consumption of ultra-processed foods and changing dietary habits may require updated and more comprehensive approaches to curb the rise of the chronic illness.

“Naghain po tayo ng resolution na ito dahil naniniwala tayo na sa panahon ngayon, hindi na lang dapat basta reactive ang ating mga hakbang laban sa CKD,” Villar added.

The proposed inquiry seeks to assess the government’s current programs and interventions related to CKD — from public awareness campaigns to financial and medical assistance for patients undergoing treatment such as dialysis.

“Gusto natin na mas magkaroon ang gobyerno ng napapanahon na solusyon sa CKD. We would like to be more proactive in preventing and detecting the disease while fully supporting those who are undergoing treatments,” Villar underscored.

If adopted, the resolution could pave the way for strengthened preventive measures, early detection programs, and expanded support systems for CKD patients nationwide.