A list of a few of the most popular Filipino medical influencers on Facebook as of February 2023
Many Filipinos suffer from infectious diseases like tuberculosis and dengue, as well as non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. This is partially caused by limited access to quality healthcare in many areas, especially rural and remote communities. In addition, the country faces challenges in implementing effective health systems and programs to address these health issues and ensure the health and well-being of its citizens.
Enter Facebook—a platform that is, unlike healthcare, free for anyone as long as they own a mobile device. This could explain how Filipinos are among the top users of Facebook in the world, with over 100 million users as of 2022. This makes it a very ideal platform for Filipino medical influencers, or medfluencers, to spread awareness on various health topics and engage with more audiences each year.
While the free health and wellness advice they provide online cannot fully replace actual medical consultations and treatment, they can still make a difference in alleviating some of the country’s most pressing public health issues. Here are a few of the leading Filipino medfluencers making their mark on millions on Facebook as of February 2023:
1. Dr. Willie Ong
Dr. Willie Ong, popularly known as Doc Willie Ong to millions of Filipinos, is an internist and cardiologist who focuses on health education and information dissemination. Through his page, he shares easy-to-understand information on health, wellness, and disease prevention together with his wife, Dr. Liza Ramoso-Ong.
2. Dr. Liza Ramoso-Ong
Dr. Liza Ramoso-Ong is a naturopathic physician, who specializes in natural health, wellness, and disease prevention. Similar to her husband, she shares free and simple advice on how to live a healthy lifestyle, as well as home and family tips, with her 3.7 million followers.
3. Dr. Gia Sison
Dr. Gia Sison is an occupational physician, mental health advocate, and breast cancer survivor. Tagged as the “millennial’s ultimate tita,” she also hosts G Talks, a digital series on CNN Philippines. Here she gives young viewers advice on relationships, careers, academics, and various life issues.
4. Dr. Tony Leachon
Dr. Tony Leachon is a multi-awarded physician and well-known healthcare reform advocate. Outside of Facebook, he is a frequent commentator in the media on a wide range of health-related issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic and health policy. He was also a former advisor to the Department of Health and has served as the president of the Philippine College of Physicians.
5. Dr. Vicki Belo
Dr. Vicki Belo is a famous dermatologist and No. 1 “Doctor to the Stars.” Besides actively promoting her cosmetic clinic and brand, she also posts content on beauty, fashion, daily activities with her family, and interactions with her A-list clients.
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From general practitioners like Dr. Willie Ong to policymakers like Dr. Tony Leachon, it just goes to show how valuable free expert advice is to millions of Filipinos. Notably, they not only cover illnesses and treatments related to physical health but also more recently spread awareness on proper mental and emotional wellness, which are just as essential. When delivered on the right platforms by qualified people, this kind of advice could be widely beneficial.
Facebook is a powerful platform that provides a wide reach and high engagement for health influencers in the Philippines. As medfluencers maximize the platform to educate, inform, and connect with their followers on all kinds of good-to-know topics, it could set the precedent for a healthier and more balanced life among more Filipinos.
M2.0 Communications is a public relations firm that has been helping brands tell meaningful, data-driven narratives. As an influencer marketing agency in the Philippines, M2 has built an extensive network of media contacts and media influencers to help clients with their PR and marketing strategies.
