IN THE Davao Region, recent data from the Department of Health (DOH) Field Health Services Information System show that men are most commonly affected by acute upper respiratory infections, hypertension, pneumonia, diabetes, and diseases of the urinary and respiratory systems.
Despite this, many men still avoid talking about their health, often out of embarrassment or fear of appearing weak. Cultural expectations that equate masculinity with being strong, self-reliant, and emotionless often prevent men from seeking help, even when they need it most.
This gap between high disease incidence and low health engagement reveals a deeper social issue: men’s health is not just medical—it’s also cultural.
In this story, three public health leaders share how they’re challenging outdated notions of masculinity and creating a more compassionate and supportive space for men to care for their health.
Start with self-awareness
For DOH Undersecretary Dr. Abdullah Dumama Jr., men today are becoming more open about health and emotions. He believes masculinity has evolved—and so has his understanding of what it means to be a man.
Dr. Dumama isn’t afraid to show emotion or express compassion and gratitude.
Raised to believe that men should be God-fearing, strong, and disciplined, he later realized that true masculinity also means being accountable, learning from mistakes, and listening more.
He views listening as a vital skill—one that fosters self-awareness and helps men better understand their emotions and overall health.
“A sense of self-awareness about your emotions gives you strength and wisdom, especially when taking charge of your health,” he said.
That strength, he added, allows men to care for others because they’re also caring for themselves.
Don’t forget to care for yourself
Dr. David Mendoza, former assistant regional director at DOH-Davao, reminds men that it’s not selfish to take care of themselves.
“Men need to actively seek care for themselves because they need it, too,” he said.
“But we need to care for ourselves, too.”
While building a healthy home involves both partners, Dr. Mendoza believes it also starts with men making their health a priority. “We can’t give with an empty cup,” he said.
You don’t have to go through it alone
For Marc Shane Adeva, National President of the Philippine Public Health Association, strength means knowing when to ask for help.
“Being strong doesn’t mean staying silent. It doesn’t mean ignoring your body’s signals, and it doesn’t mean carrying everything on your own,” he said.
He believes that the pressure to appear tough often isolates men and keeps them from important conversations that could save their lives.
“Real men ask for help,” he said. “There’s no weakness in that—only courage.”
Opening up about men’s health isn’t just personal—it’s powerful. These conversations encourage early detection, timely care, and better health for every Filipino man.
Join the conversation and share your thoughts on the DOH-Davao Facebook Page. PR