2024 HAPI Grand Prize Winner
THE PROBLEM
The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. This takes a major toll on both the lives of people and property. Among the most affected during these events are the elderly and persons with disabilities (PWDs). Although the country’s population is quite young compared to its neighbors, the healthy life expectancy at birth is low—just 58.8 years according to the World Health Organization—and many older people struggle with chronic health problems and disabilities. These groups are significantly more vulnerable during and after crises.
According to the Department of Health, hypertension remains the leading illness, while diabetes affects around 5% of the adult population. Health monitoring is crucial for elderly individuals, particularly those with hypertension and diabetes, because it allows for early detection and management of complications, ensuring personalized care and improved quality of life. Regular monitoring helps prevent hospitalizations, empowers patients to manage their health actively, and is cost-effective by reducing the need for expensive treatments. Prioritizing health monitoring for these conditions leads to better health outcomes and a more active, fulfilling life for elderly patients during normal times and provides greater resilience when disaster strikes.
THE INNOVATION
The Go Bike Project was established in 2019 at Barangay Umanday, in the municipality of Bugallon nestled in the heart of the province of Pangasinan on Luzon, the largest and most populous island in the Philippines. The objective of the project was to empower Filipino youth, who comprise 40% of the Philippines’ total population, to support disaster resilience and health service delivery initiatives for their communities, effectively capitalizing on the innate passion and spirit of volunteerism among young people.
The project began by working with the Philippines Red Cross and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council to train 70 young “Go Bikers” to become community responders in times of emergencies and disasters. They were able to use 9 bicycles equipped with first-aid kits, medicine, blood pressure apparatus, random blood sugar checking kits, and disaster response equipment that they used to effectively respond to help those in their communities. The volunteers usually make their rounds on the weekends, but are on call in times of emergencies.
Recognizing the value of these trained volunteers, the project expanded the following year to have the Go Bikers conduct a regular health monitoring program for older people called the “Ronda Kalusugan Program,” which includes blood pressure and blood sugar monitoring. This is designed to help hypertensive and diabetic patients in the community monitor their health and respond quickly if the person requires further attention. The information is shared with the community health workers and medical professionals who can take action if the monitoring reveals any abnormalities.
The Go Bikers ride around their communities in their blue Go Bike vests to provide, promote, and deliver these kinds of basic healthcare services and advice on health promotion and disaster preparedness. With the onset of the pandemic shortly after the program launched, the Go Bikers were also able to offer basic knowledge on safety precautions against the threat of the COVID-19 virus.
The project also began working with the community youth councils (Sangguniang Kabataan) to reach more young people interested in volunteering. As of 2024, the project has trained and certified 2,113 Go Bikers and has a fleet of 179 Go Bike units, including a number of “ambu-bikes.” The project has successfully reached 41 communities and has served more than 42,260 people. The beneficiaries include elderly individuals who receive regular health check-ups, families who gain knowledge on safety precautions, and community members who feel reassured by the presence of the Go Bikers.
The community has appreciated their efforts, and local officials acknowledge the work of the Go Bikers, allowing them to extend their services to various parts of the community. The residents warmly welcome the young volunteers. One of the program’s beneficiaries expressed her gratitude, saying, “These Go Bikers are so kind. They care for us senior citizens who are weak and poor. Other young people should take them as role models. They’re very present, quick, and friendly.” This intergenerational contact and regular check-ins are important not just for the physical health but also the emotional wellbeing of older residents. And for the youths, the program not only equips them with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide essential healthcare services and to assist when disaster strikes, but instills greater awareness of the need to manage their own health to ensure a long, healthy, and active life.
The use of bicycles as a primary mode of transportation not only promotes environmental sustainability but also ensures that healthcare services can be delivered promptly and efficiently, since the Go Bikers can traverse various terrains and access remote areas. This innovative approach has been instrumental in addressing the healthcare needs of underserved populations, particularly in regions with limited access to medical facilities.
Finally, the project has incorporated two initiatives for volunteers. In 2021, they launched a Go Biker Leadership Training Program to help build confidence and enable volunteers to lead their teams effectively. And from 2023, to recognize all of the hard work and sacrifices of the Go Bikers, they began holding Rewards and Recognition Ceremonies in partnership with local governments and NGOs.
KEYS TO SUCCESS
- The Go Bike Ronda Kalusugan Program’s has been able to mobilize youth, in part by working with the network of community youth groups and local governments. The youths take pride in contributing to their community and gain an opportunity to learn about health, first aid, and disaster preparedness.
- By teaching young people about the health concerns of older people and how to address them, it encourages them to improve their own behavior to promote healthy longevity.
- Bikes are a sustainable and low-cost form transportation and allow the volunteers to reach remote areas that might be difficult to access by car.
- The sight of the Go Bikers riding through town in bright blue vests creates a strong, visible presence in the community.
- The communities benefit from regular healthcare monitoring, health education, and the presence of a reliable support system that can be called upon when disasters strike. The transformation goes beyond health improvements; it encompasses a strengthened community spirit and a heightened sense of collective responsibility.
FINANCIAL STRUCTURE
The costs of the project consist primarily of the training programs, equipping and resupplying the bicycles with medical equipment and other first aid items, and the award ceremonies. The annual budget in each community is approximately P50,000.00 (about US$860), which comes from a combination of government assistance, foundation grants, and in-kind support. The cost of providing a fully equipped bike is approximately P25,000.00, while the training program is roughly P2,000.00 per trainee.
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