Senator Pia Cayetano urges stronger implentation of Rare Disease Act

Senator Pia Cayetano has called for the stronger implementation of the Rare Disease Act, or Republic Act No. 10747, which establishes a comprehensive policy framework to improve access to care, medical management, and support for individuals living with rare diseases.

“The theme for the 2026 Rare Disease Week, ‘More Than You Can Imagine,’ reminds us that while the condition of these individuals are rare, the community is massive," she said.

"Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that over 300 million people worldwide live with approximately 7,000 types of rare diseases, and these are the rare diseases that have been diagnosed,” Cayetano stressed, noting that 70 percent of patients are children.

Cayetano explained that rare diseases refer to conditions such as inherited metabolic disorders and other illnesses recognized by the Department of Health upon the recommendation of the University of the Philippines–National Institutes of Health.

“As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Rare Disease Act, let us strengthen our shared resolve. We must build on the principle of equality and inclusivity, ensuring that our healthcare system is responsive to the needs of all individuals,” Cayetano said.

“There is much more we can do to show our solidarity for patients with rare diseases, and their families and friends who stayed by their side to support and care for them. Through greater awareness and action, we can provide not only better healthcare services for rare disease patients but also a more nurturing world for them to live in,” she added.

Cayetano urged the government to intensify the implementation of the law, expand access to early diagnosis and treatment, and fully integrate rare disease care into the Universal Health Care system.

As the principal author of the law and chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, Innovation, and Futures Thinking, she underscored the country’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 3 on good health and well-being, emphasizing that inclusive health systems must ensure that no individual living with a rare condition is left behind.