Boracay: The newly formed Capiz-Aklan chapter of the Philippine Heart Association (PHA) is set to revive the CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on Wheels and Wings (CWW) program in Boracay Island. This initiative, a collaboration between cardiologists and the Department of Tourism (DOT), initially began in 2016 but was put on hold during the pandemic.

According to Philippines News Agency, the campaign aims to equip both health workers and non-medical individuals-such as drivers, students, resort staff, and vendors-with hands-only CPR skills to address sudden cardiac arrests. Dr. Rommel Mosquete, the newly appointed chapter president, emphasized that the revival of the CWW program is intended to transform tourist destinations across the country into CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED)-ready communities and establishments.

Dr. Mosquete highlighted that cardiovascular disease is a leading health concern both in the Philippines and globally. "A cardiac arrest victim has to be revived within four to six minutes to prevent irreversible neurologic or brain damage," he noted, stressing the importance of bystanders or witnesses having CPR knowledge to save lives while awaiting emergency services.

The chapter aims to conduct the training in February 2026. During a similar three-day training event in October 2016, approximately 550 participants were trained in collaboration with the local government of Malay, the Boracay Foundation, and DOT.

On a related note, Dr. Mosquete recently took his oath as president of the Aklan and Capiz chapter in a ceremony in Roxas City, officiated by PHA national president Dr. Walid Amid. The chapter, now the 15th provincial chapter of the PHA, consists of 13 cardiologist members who previously served under PHA Western Visayas-Panay.