For Filipinos planning to prioritize their health this year, the Department of Health (DoH) has released a list of 12 healthy habits aimed at improving overall well-being.
The initiative, dubbed PinaSigla 2026, outlines monthly health practices corresponding to the 12 months of the year.
For January, the agency recommends 30 minutes to one hour of daily exercise.
In February, the DoH highlights Pinggang Pinoy, encouraging the consumption of grow, glow, and go foods for balanced nutrition.
March focuses on vaccination, urging Filipinos to protect themselves against illnesses such as pneumonia, flu, tetanus, cervical cancer, and measles. In April, the DoH encourages annual medical checkups, whether a person is sick or not.
May is dedicated to meditation, with the agency noting that 15 to 20 minutes daily can help reduce stress. June targets road safety, advising motorists to wear helmets, as many road crash injuries are linked to non-use.
The DoH recommends 20 seconds of proper handwashing in July to help prevent illness, while August emphasizes avoiding alcohol, citing that even small amounts can affect the body.
September promotes open discussions and education on safe sex, amid rising cases of sexually transmitted diseases.
October underscores the importance of eight hours of sleep daily for better health, while November is designated as No Tobacco, No Vape Month, warning that both cigarettes and e-cigarettes negatively affect the body.
For December, the DoH calls for personal discipline, reminding Filipinos that maintaining physical health ultimately depends on individual choices.