General Information

Background

Organization	Force for Health
Professional Title	Philippines Team
Bio and Background	I am Mare, an advocate for environmental protection and youth and health empowerment, deeply committed to fostering sustainable communities through education and action. With a background in social work, I have worked on various community-based initiatives focusing on environmental sustainability, youth engagement, and social welfare programs. I have spearheaded youth-led initiatives such as coastal clean-ups, mangrove reforestation, and climate education programs. Additionally, I help organize youth leadership trainings and environmental awareness campaigns.
Why I am a Force for Health® Member...	I joined Force for Health because its vision of a healthy community for everybody deeply resonates with me. As an advocate for environmental protection and community well-being, I believe that prevention is key to building a healthier society. I used to work full time as a Quality Assurance Engineer in a tech firm I acknowledge that technology has a positive role in education and awareness and I’m here to achieve that. I will offer my skills and expertise to Force for Health to keep it a better platform for everyone. I have mild scoliosis and mitral valve prolapse. Because it is mild, I never get enough support from even health workers and family and friends. But it can be painful at times especially my back for prolonged sitting or standing and sometimes my body can’t sustain prolonged physical activity. I have educated myself from the internet. I have become proactive despite not getting acknowledged by the community. I learned yoga, a bit of meditation and just understand better that my simply walking can help a lot. I have also encouraged my family especially my parents to be more open with health services, guiding them to health check ups. And this is what I’ll continue to do with Force for Health.
How I use the Force for Health Network Tools	At the moment ( I will update this) I use Force for Health on learning through courses, experiences from others and as a collaboration tool. I am excited to use more tools as I go and maximize these tools for a healthier me.
My inspiration	Many has inspired me across the years. In High school, I am inspired by my Social Science teacher. She hopes that I become a lawyer someday. While that is in my mind, I’m still exploring on what I really want to do in life especially now that I just laid off. It can be frustrating to be honest but thats okay. Sometimes I felt like reflecting is daunting and not getting answer or direction. But I guess that’s okay too. I missed the times when I had that high school teacher reminds me that not going with the flow is okay and that possibilities are always coming sometime somewhere. She will sit with me and learn about my family and community and ask me what my goals are. She inspire me because she made me think about the future and more to come and I think it felt good to have something to look forward to.
Location	I am based in Cebu, Philippines. My community is my city. I will first reach out to like-minded people, most likely those in the health sector. I would love to connect my family and neighborhood as well, but it is challenging at the moment. I had a conversation with my father this morning, and he mentioned that COVID and some medicines are a hoax. So for now, I will focus on reaching out to the right people first.
What would you like people to know about your community?	I live in an urban poor community, but it is far from depressing—it’s vibrant, resilient, and full of life. No matter the hardship, we find ways to laugh and move forward. When a typhoon hits, the next morning, you’ll hear people cracking jokes and helping each other rebuild. The sense of community here is strong, with families and neighbors closely connected. Beyond my immediate surroundings lies a bustling Cebu City—the oldest city in the Philippines, rich in history and culture, yet constantly evolving with technology. It is a hub for education and job opportunities, drawing people from across the region. In terms of healthcare, Cebu is home to the biggest hospitals in the Visayas, making it a key destination for medical services and treatments. Recently, my community is also active with healthy trends. Especially hiking and getting connected with nature is a huge thing here. For every circle of friend, you can count an outdoor enthusiast.

My Citizenship Health Factors

Some of the factors that have been challenging for me have been...	Some factors for becoming a more healthy body for me is diet and nutrition. I don’t have t he habit of cooking healthy food and I just consume what’s available. Sometimes I don’t eat when I’m busy or stress. This should change from now on. My housing location is also distant access from supermarket. Not that distant but I will need to walk or ride jeep/bust to get there. But its more positive that good because it meant to walk and go outside. I think the main factor here is will and hardwork and financial status.
It's important for me to be part of my community's health because...	It’s important for me to be part of my community’s health because I believe that a healthy community is a thriving community. Health is linked to education, employment, and the environment. Poor health can lead to poverty, while a polluted environment can cause health problems. Being involved allows you to address these interconnected issues. When people are healthy, they can work, study, and engage in activities that improve their lives and the local economy.
Some of the strength of my community health factors are:	Some of the strengths of my community’s health factors include strong social support, resilience, and access to healthcare facilities. Despite economic challenges, people here are quick to help each other and find ways to recover from hardships. I am proud that our community remains positive and adaptive, always looking for ways to improve our well-being. We also have access to major hospitals and growing health initiatives that promote better living conditions.
Some of the challenges in my community regarding certain health factors are:	Some of the challenges in my community regarding health factors include limited access to affordable healthcare, environmental issues like pollution, and the high risk of communicable diseases. Many people struggle with non-communicable diseases due to poor nutrition and a lack of physical activity. Mental health is also a growing concern, but there is still stigma around seeking help.
I believe I can help improve my community's health by...	I believe I can help improve my community’s health by raising awareness about preventive care, promoting environmental health, and connecting people to available healthcare resources. Through education and advocacy, I can help debunk misinformation, encourage healthy lifestyles, and strengthen community support systems