16/06/2026
Hepatology Society of the Philippines Stresses Liver Health in Zamboanga City Observance of NASH Global Fatty Liver Day 2026
By: Dr. Maria Gabriela D. Gonzales, MPA, FPCP, FPSG, FPSDE
Internal Medicine – Gastroenterology
Doctor of Philosophy
Zamboanga City — The Hepatology Society of the Philippines (HSP), the country’s leading organization dedicated to advancing liver health, collaborated with local partners in Zamboanga City to mark Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Global Fatty Liver Day 2026. The event was held on June 12, 2026, at SM City Zamboanga and featured a range of free health services for residents.
Prior to the main activities, a courtesy visit was conducted with Zamboanga City Mayor Hon. Khymer Adan T. Olaso. The visit brought together HSP members and President Dr. Suzette Grace Kho-Herman, who were joined by a team of local gastroenterologists—Dr. Maria Gabriela D. Gonzales, Dr. Ashraf Tawasil, and Dr. Rene Febro—along with partners from a pharmaceutical company. The collaboration underscored the Viral Hepatitis Workshop and Global Fatty Liver Day. This strengthened the city’s commitment to liver health and the society’s ongoing efforts to promote prevention, early detection, and access to care.
The 25th Viral Hepatitis Workshop brought together physicians, specialists, and healthcare professionals devoted to advancing hepatitis care and improving patient outcomes. The event was hosted by the Philippine College of Physicians, the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology, and the Hepatology Society of the Philippines. The workshop was held on June 11, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. at Marcian Garden Hotel. Attendees were expected to learn from experts in hepatology and gastroenterology and to engage in meaningful discussions and clinical updates. Topics included: Updates in Viral Hepatitis Management, Screening, Diagnosis, and Prevention Strategies; Advances in Antiviral Therapy; Management of Hepatitis Complications; and Current Trends and Best Practices in Hepatology. Officials and organizers emphasized collaboration among local government, medical professionals, and industry partners to strengthen hepatitis care in the region and beyond.
The Global Fatty Liver Day was supported and attended by Zamboanga City Mayor Hon. Khymer Adan T. Olaso and City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor D. Miravite, along with the he Hepatology Society of the Philippines (HSP) members. A lay forum on Fatty Liver Prevention and Treatment was presented by Dr. Maria Gabriela “Doc Gail” Gonzales, who discussed risk factors, prevention strategies, and available treatment options for metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). The event was hosted by Dr. Ashraf Tawasil, who led the open-forum segment and announced a raffle and Zumba session. Free health services included blood pressure screening for all attendees and FibroScan assessments for registered patients. In addition to raising awareness, games were organized, and prizes awarded to engage participants.
During the event, the HSP reiterated its commitment to advancing prevention, early detection, and treatment of liver diseases through education, research, advocacy, and collaboration. Officials highlighted ongoing national challenges such as viral hepatitis, NAFLD, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. In response, the HSP positioned itself as a leading advocate—engaging with policymakers, medical professionals, and patient communities to promote evidence-based therapies, broaden access to screening and care, and run public-awareness campaigns that encourage proactive action and reduce stigma.
Fatty liver is a liver disease in which the liver accumulates excess fat—more than 5% of its mass. There are two causes: alcohol-related fatty liver disease from frequent, heavy drinking, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), also known as MAFLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease). This condition often occurs in people who are overweight or have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar.
According to the Asia-Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL), a patient has MAFLD if they have liver fat on ultrasound or CT plus overweight/obesity or diabetes mellitus (DM). A normal-weight patient meets two of the following criteria: waist circumference >80 cm (women) or >90 cm (men), blood pressure >130/85 mmHg or on antihypertensive medication, and elevated triglycerides (>150 mg/dL) or low HDL.
In its early stages, fatty liver may cause no symptoms. In more advanced stages with permanent scarring (cirrhosis), patients may experience fatigue, jaundice, easy bruising, dark stools (melena) or vomiting (hematemesis), and ascites. Understanding the stage of fibrosis is important because advanced disease increases the risk of complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer, which can be life-threatening. There is currently no FDA-approved drug in the Philippines to dissolve fat and restore the liver to its previous state. Treatments focus on managing underlying conditions such as DM, hypertension, and dyslipidemia.
The cornerstone of management is weight loss—7–10% of baseline body weight. This should be achieved through a combination of a healthy diet and exercise. Foods to avoid include saturated fats, refined carbohydrates and sweetened beverages, and processed foods. Pairing physical activity with proper nutrition is essential to reach the target weight. The recommended level of exercise is moderate-intensity activity at least five days a week for a total of 150 minutes. For further information about fatty liver disease, please consult your medical doctor.
