BAGUIO CITY — Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) accounted for 30.6 percent of all recorded deaths in the city in 2025, according to the City Health Services Office (CHSO).

An epidemiological analysis showed that out of 3,098 total deaths, 950 individuals aged 30 to 70 died prematurely from these conditions.

Cardiovascular diseases were the primary cause of premature NCD mortality, representing 51.3 percent of cases. Cancer followed at 39.7 percent, while diabetes mellitus and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) accounted for 8.2 percent and less than 1 percent, respectively.

The data also highlighted a gender gap in mortality rates. Of the 950 premature deaths, 59.6 percent were male and 40.4 percent were female. Based on Baguio’s population of 385,640, the premature NCD mortality rate stands at 246.4 per 100,000 residents. The male mortality rate of 296.5 per 100,000 was substantially higher than the female rate of 197.2.

Mortality peaked in the 60 to 69 age group for both sexes. While cardiovascular deaths were concentrated among older residents, cancer-related deaths were spread more broadly across those aged 40 to 69. Geographically, high-population districts such as barangays Irisan, Atab, and Engineer’s Hill reported the highest number of cases.

CHSO officials said the high mortality rate, particularly among men, calls for a review of existing health strategies. Recommended measures include expanding screening and early detection services, strengthening prevention programs, and improving continuity of care in high-burden districts. Officials noted that reducing preventable deaths will require better alignment with national health strategies and improvements to local health systems.