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Civil society organizations and regional partners across the Western Pacific convened in Quezon City, Philippines from March 16–18, 2026 for a landmark Core Group Workshop that marked a significant step toward the establishment of the Healthy Western Pacific Alliance (HWPA)—a new regional network committed to combating noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and advancing people-centered, rights-based health systems.
At its core, the HWPA seeks to bridge countries and communities, ensuring that the voices of people living with NCDs are actively included in shaping policies, programs, and interventions that directly affect their lives. By fostering collaboration across borders, the alliance aims to address the increasing burden of NCDs and drive more equitable and sustainable health outcomes throughout the region.
Bringing together representatives from the NCD Alliance, Healthy Philippines Alliance, Cambodia NCD Alliance, Indonesia NCD Alliance, NCD Malaysia, International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations Western Pacific, and Cervical Cancer ASEAN Plus Network, and Asia Pacific Alcohol Policy Alliance (APAPA), with guests from the World Health Organization Western Pacific and the Department of Health of the Philippines, the workshop laid the groundwork for a shared vision, strategic priorities, and a collaborative governance structure for the emerging alliance. Participants also initiated the development of a regional communications approach to amplify advocacy, elevate lived experiences, and strengthen coordinated engagement across countries. The formation of the HWPA reflects a growing commitment among civil society to move beyond fragmented efforts and work collectively across borders to address the rising burden of NCDs and drive more equitable, sustainable health outcomes in the region.
A Gathering of Regional Health Champions
The workshop brought together a dynamic group of regional actors, including representatives from the NCD Alliance, Healthy Philippines Alliance convened by HealthJustice Philippines, Cambodia NCD Alliance, Indonesia NCD Alliance, NCD Malaysia, International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations (IAPO) Western Pacific, and Cervical Cancer ASEAN Plus Network, and Asia Pacific Alcohol Policy Alliance (APAPA), along with guests from the World Health Organization Western Pacific and the Philippine Department of Health, reflecting a shared commitment to cross-sectoral collaboration.
Participants engaged in intensive discussions and collaborative exercises to define a shared vision for the emerging alliance — “a healthy, thriving Western Pacific, with meaningfully engaged communities free from the stigma and the burdens of NCDs and mental health conditions, enjoying safe and nurturing environments”.
The HWPA emboldens its mission to unify voices, foster collaboration, and drive transformative change to accelerate action on NCDs and Mental Health conditions across the Western Pacific. Its core values include collaboration, inclusivity, people-centeredness, integrity, equity, anchored on rights-based approaches.
Dr. Jaime Galvez-Tan, Lead Convenor of the Healthy Philippines Alliance, welcomed everyone and affirmed that the workshop is a significant step towards strengthening the regional network, recognizing that the region faces shared challenges on NCD and mental health and can benefit collectively.
“The strength of our network lies in the relationship we build. Together we create lasting partnerships and leave lasting work,” Dr. Galvez-Tan said.
Moreover, key outcomes of the workshop included the development of a governance framework to guide HWPA’s activities, as well as the initiation of a regional communications approach aimed at amplifying advocacy, highlighting lived experiences, and strengthening coordinated engagement among member countries.
Collaboration for Stronger Advocacy
A central focus of the workshop was ensuring that people living with NCDs are meaningfully represented in decision-making processes. Through interactive sessions, participants explored how to integrate patient perspectives into regional health policies and programs, underscoring the alliance’s commitment to regional collaboration and a rights-based approach.
“We hope that more policies will be in place to support healthy living that will strengthen prevention and control of NCDs in the region,” Paul Mendoza, Vice Chairperson of the International Alliance of Patient Organizations (IAPO) said.
The workshop also featured dedicated time to discuss the power of storytelling and communications in driving change. Participants began mapping out strategies and narratives to elevate the voices of those affected by NCDs, foster regional solidarity, and advocate for policies that are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to local contexts.
Looking Ahead: A Collective Commitment
The establishment of HWPA represents a significant step toward moving beyond fragmented efforts and creating a unified, regional response to NCDs. By linking civil society organizations, patient groups, and health agencies across countries, the alliance seeks to generate greater impact and ensure that advocacy is coordinated, evidence-informed, and people-centered.
“We envision better health outcomes across the region with no one left behind. We hope the workshop sparks new ideas, new collaboration, and stronger action on NCDs across the region,” said Atty. Fatima Laperal, Executive Director of HealthJustice Philippines, Inc.
As the Healthy Western Pacific Alliance takes shape, the commitment to collaboration, inclusivity, and rights-based health action sets a strong foundation for transformative change.
“We are proud of the good work that our NCD and mental health advocates and champions have done across the region. With a newly established Healthy Western Pacific Alliance, we hope to support the greater impact that this new alliance can bring in accelerating action on NCDs to promote health, protect rights, and save lives,” said Linda Senk Markova, Capacity Development Manager of the NCD Alliance.
With the support of its member organizations and partners, HWPA is poised to become a leading force in advancing sustainable, equitable, and patient-centered health outcomes across the region.
