Manila, Jan. 2 -- The City Health Services Office (CHSO) will expand programs in 2026 to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs), a leading cause of death here.

"A change in lifestyle is needed, and we will expand our programs accordingly. There will be more campaigns, lectures, and activities to help encourage the public to choose healthy options," Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, city health officer, said in a media interview on Friday.

She said the programs will target the top 10 causes of morbidity and mortality, mainly cardiovascular and NCDs, with cardiovascular disease ranking first in Baguio.

"Manekjad," a local program promoting walking to work or school, will be strengthened with organized weekend outdoor events, such as nature wal...