ASEC. DEXTER A. GALBAN, RN, RBP, MD, MBA, MPM
Assistant Secretary for Operations, Department of Education
Founder, Alaga Health Inc.
HEALTHCARE MARKETPLACE HELPS FILIPINOS ACCESS HEALTH SERVICES
July 2022
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
"Dr. Dexter Galban, the CEO of Alaga Health, a digital health marketplace and health service hub in the Philippines, knows the country’s health system like the back of his hand. From training as a nurse, then as a doctor, while advocating for better access to health with non-profit organizations, and working with the government, to becoming an entrepreneur, he said he wanted to have a 360° appreciation of the country’s health system.
“Something had to be done.” While he had no coding ability, Dexter was a health care system expert and had in-depth knowledge of the business sector and the government. With developers and business specialists at his side, Dexter decided to fund Alaga Health as a way to provide a solution to the disjointed access to healthcare. Alaga comes from the Filipino word that translates to “care” in English, the 31-year-old explained."
Alaga Health seeks to bring patients and healthcare providers, not only doctors on demand, but also other healthcare professionals such as nurses, therapists, nutritionists, psychologists, and counselors, on the same platform.
It is a mobile and web platform hosting several applications and is accessible from anywhere in the Philippines. Alaga Health’s medical apps are designed to be user-friendly and special care has been taken to make the platform appealing to elderly patients.
MEET THE STARTUP THAT’S ADDRESSING THE PHILIPPINES’ HEALTHCARE WOES
July 8, 2022
Tech In Asia (Stefanie Yeo)
"The nation’s challenges with its health sector have been well-documented. An oft-cited and somewhat damning statistic is that six in 10 Filipinos die without ever seeing a health professional. The country faces a significant shortage of doctors and nurses and has a very fragmented healthcare system as well.
Driven by these observations, Galban co-founded Alaga Health in 2020. The firm, a universal health marketplace and health services aggregator, aims to bring together all aspects of healthcare onto its platform, ranging from telehealth services, laboratory tests, to home care. It also offers healthcare education. In a time where you can easily order food or grab your clothes through your mobile applications, it’s necessary for healthcare to be even more accessible,” he says.
Alaga, which is the Filipino word for care, came about through a serendipitous meeting between Galban and his co-founder, Von Payumo, at an event called Impact Hackathon, where the former was invited as a judge. Galban is a commissioner at the commission on population and development at the Philippines’ National Economic and Development Authority and serves as a consultant for the Asian Development Bank.
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[#RAPPLERREADS] NON-FICTION BOOKS IN THE ARSENAL OF SOCIAL JUSTICE WARRIORS
April 8 ,2022
Rappler (Julian Cirenio)
"I’m an advocate of sustainable health, particularly accessible, affordable and quality healthcare. I highly recommend Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth & Happiness by Thaler and Sunstein. I also recommend Thinking Fast and Slow by Kahneman and Mindset by Dweck. Both deal with behavioral economics and making informed choices. When it comes to a very personal matter such as health, you can’t just tell or force people to do what is healthy for them. Simply presenting facts or evidence is not enough.
It is more effective & sustainable when people own their healthy choices. This requires us to slowly nudge ourselves and others towards developing the right habits and creating the most optimal conditions that can enable us to make healthier decisions. Apart from those, I also highly recommend Emperor of All Maladies and Immortal Life of Henrietta Sacks. Both deal with cancer diagnosis and management while giving a glimpse into the world of healthcare.
– Dr. Dexter Acosta Galban, commissioner of the Commission on Population & Development (POPCOM-NEDA), and CEO & founder of Alaga Health and Experto PlayLabs International Consultancy"
TWALA, EDUKASYON.PH WIN IN CCIFP’S FIRST STARTUP PITCH COMPETITION
February 14, 2022
Business World
"In addition, Alaga Health won the Startup Choice Award after gaining the majority of the votes from over 450 attendees. The Filipino-owned startup received 2,000 euros-worth of mentorship sessions from startup mentor Ali Parandeh. Pitched by its CEO Dr. Dexter Galban, Alaga Health, as a digital health social enterprise, aims to address key health challenges through technology, as well as be the country’s first health marketplace and service hub.
The panel of judges who screened the startup competitors were Amor Maclang, founding director of GeiserMaclang Marketing Communications, convenor of Digital Pilipinas, and member of CCIFP’s board of directors; Abe Lozada, general manager of Launchgarage; Carlo Delantar, founding partner of Core Capital; Frederic Levy, chief commercial officer of GCash; and RJ Balmater, investment associate at Monk’s Hill Ventures."
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THE DOCTOR IS ON: HOW TELEMEDICINE IS IMPROVING HEALTHCARE ACCESS
December 10, 2021
Asian Development Bank
"When Dexter Galban was still training as a doctor, he saw an elderly man wait an entire day in hospital just to talk to a health professional for 10 minutes. That experience coupled with his family’s struggle to find nurses who could help take care of his grandmother who was undergoing peritoneal dialysis at home struck a chord with him about the gaps in the healthcare system.
'These experiences made me realize that we needed a better way to care for people,' says Galban, chief executive and founder of Philippine-based digital healthcare provider Alaga Health. Alaga is Filipino for care.
Thanks to its wide suite of services, Alaga Health was named runner-up in the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Smart Cities Datathon 2021—Building Back Smarter: Digital Solutions for Livable Cities. The company along with the first-place winner bested more than 60 participating teams. Alaga Health received $10,000 in seed money from ADB.
It has also received support from the United Nations Development Programme, PhilDev Foundation, and the Australian Embassy, among others. It also bagged top awards in other hackathons held in the Philippines and abroad, the most recent of which was organized by Philippine telco Globe Telecom.”
DIGITAL MARKETPLACE ALAGA HEALTH WINS BIG IN GLOBE 5G HACKATHON
October 22, 2021
Manila Standard
"The Alaga Health team, led by its founder Dr. Dexter Galban, with his teammates Von Payumo as their Chief Experience Officer, and Bon Dela Cruz as their Chief Technology Officer, received a total of P300,000 to help scale up their business idea, besting 289 other teams nationwide.
Galban shared, 'From the limited access to resources, and the unaffordable quality healthcare services, to the maldistribution of health professionals and the low integration of new technologies, we recognize that there are still several concerns that our country’s healthcare system needs to address.' 'Through Alaga Health, we hope to address all these concerns through our services. Whether you are a patient, a partner, or a health administrator, there is a place for you in our marketplace and a service hub,' he continued.
Through the power of mobile tech, Alaga Health is making health services more accessible to anyone with a mobile phone and internet connectivity. With the integration of 5G Technology, the team believes that they can reach a wider base and create a seamless value chain for patients and healthcare practitioners in the country."
WE ALL HAVE A PART TO PLAY IN BUILDING A HEALTHIER PHILIPPINES
May 13, 2021
The Manila Bulletin
"Speakers included the head of program implementation and outreach division under the Health Promotion Bureau of DOH, Dr. Alfonso Regala, founder of Hope in Me Club, Dr. Tina Alberto, CEO of digital healthcare company Alaga Health, Dr. Dexter Galban, as well as private sector representative and general manager of Sanofi Pasteur, Jean-Antoine Zinsou.
In his presentation, Dr. Galban championed young people and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). When young people’s access to health care is compromised, the Philippines’ future is compromised as well.
'Our economy is primarily fueled by the young working-age Filipinos who significantly contribute to production, commerce, and growth,' he said. The Philippines today has the largest generation of young people in history, with over 30 million young people between the ages of 10 and 24. At least one million young Filipinos will be entering the workforce in 2021. “Young people today understand the importance of health literacy and access to health care,”added Dr. Galban."
THE FUTURE OF HEALTH GOVERNANCE
April 23, 2021
Governing Health Futures
"The Commission has been working to convene and amplify youth voices on the future of health governance, particularly in its deliberations before and after the report launch scheduled for September 2021. One such platform for youth to share their ideas to explore ways and means of promoting youth development and engagement in the global sphere is the annual Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum.
Diah Saminarsih, Senior Advisor on Youth and Gender to the Director-General of the WHO, and Eva Kiegele, Technical Officer of the WHO Office at the UN, followed with keynotes. Saminarsih stressed the importance of noting how youth are pushing for innovation in digital health and spoke about what WHO is doing to address youth leadership in governance in establishing the WHO Youth Council. Kiegele further emphasised how youth involvement is central to the WHO’s work and spoke to the importance of supporting youth through learning opportunities, introducing the forthcoming launch of the WHO Academy.
The subsequent panel discussion was moderated by GHFutures2030 Youth Officer, Brian Li Han Wong, and featured five young experts: Dr Dexter Galban – CEO & Founder of Alaga Health Inc. & Experto PlayLabs Inc, Dr Enow Awah Georges Stevens – Youth Consultant of GHFutures2030, Danielle Mullings – Young Expert of Young Experts: Tech 4 Health (YET4H), Ines Siepmann – Young Professionals Coordinator of The Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER), and Robert Dean Smith – Research Assistant of GHFutures2030”
POPCOM: PHL ON TRACK TO CUT FERTILITY RATE IN 10 YEARS
December 4, 2020
Business Mirror
"Based on a separate presentation at the NUDHF, Popcom Commissioner Dexter A. Galban said the country’s total population as of December 3 is 109.334 million.
This number is expected to increase to 142 million by 2045, even if the average annual population growth rate slows to 0.65 percent from the 1.7 percent, which is the average between 2010 and 2015.
To date, Region 4A has the highest population at 14.41 million followed by the National Capital Region at 12.88 million and Region 3 at 11.22 million. Together, these three regions, Galban said, accounted for a third or 38.1 percent of the country’s population in 2015. Incidentally, these regions are also the same ones that are driving the Philippine economy.
The steady population and economic growth has led to faster urbanization nationwide. Based in 2010, the country’s urbanization rate is at 45.3 percent with Metro Manila being 100 percent urbanized."
SYCIPLAW’S LSIP WRAPS UP WITH A VIRTUAL CONVERSATION WITH SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS
December 1, 2020
SyCip Law
"SyCip Law recently wrapped up its Lawyers for Social Impact Project (LSIP) -- a year-long program where lawyers of the firm worked pro bono for social enterprises selected and supported by the Innovation for Social Impact Project (ISIP) of Philippine S&T Development Foundation – Manila, Inc. (PhilDev) -- with a virtual staff meeting attended by SyCip Law lawyers, PhilDev officers and staff, and representatives of the firm's clients under the project.
Brief comments from the firm's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee head, Jose Florante Pamfilo, kicked off the activity, followed by a talk from keynote speaker Eric Manlunas, a trustee of PhilDev and the founder and managing partner of Wavemaker Partners (an early stage-cross-border venture capital firm).
The talk was followed by a panel discussion led by SyCipLaw of counsel Mia Gentugaya, who moderated exchanges with social entrepreneurs Dr. Dexter Galban of Alaga Health and November Canieso-Yeo of Plantsville Health, and SyCipLaw senior associate and LSIP volunteer Mickey Chatto, on the goals of social enterprises, the need for (and sometimes scarcity of) good legal support, and other takeaways from the project."
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS INVITED TO REACT ON THE YOUTH DECLARATION FOR CLIMATE JUSTICE AHEAD OF 25TH SEPTEMBER, ‘GLOBAL DAY OF CLIMATE ACTION’
September 22, 2020
Philippine Daily Inquirer
"'We are inviting government officials to react to the Youth Declaration on 23 September,' Youth Strike 4 Climate Philippines Education and Research Committee Head, Sophia Caralde, said, 'We want them to work on this Declaration and recognize the role of the youth in addressing the climate crisis. The Filipino youth is more than ready to work with the government to address the climate crisis and achieve climate justice.'
The Press Conference will be held on 23 September 10:00AM to 12:00NN. Confirmed reactors include Mr. John Colin E. Yokingko from CHR, Mr. Albert A. Magalang from DENR-EMB, Dr. Dexter Galban from POPCOM, and Atty. Antonio La Viña, Professor of Law, Politics and Governance, and Philosophy."
DOCTORS ON GLOBAL FRONTLINE WARN ‘WAR IS NOT YET WON’ IN CORONAVIRUS FIGHT
September 8, 2020
Metro UK & The Mirror (United Kingdom)
"Dexter Galban, a doctor working in the capital Manila, told Metro.co.uk: ‘It’s heart-breaking because the business community is really struggling to stay afloat and keep people employed.
‘But at the same time, the health care system is crying for help in light of the rapidly increasing number of cases of Covid-19. Some have begun expressing resentment against health workers online as a result of the decision to return to a stricter quarantine level.’
More than 300 small private hospitals are in danger of closing down in the Philippines due to lack of manpower, finances, and equipment to cope with the pandemic.
‘Now, more than ever, we need to have the audacity to hope so that we may all keep fighting the good fight,’ said Dr. Galban."
USAID, NYC TARGET YOUTH WITH ANTI-TB AWARENESS DRIVE AMID PANDEMIC
August 14, 2020
Philippine Information Agency
"Dr. Galban also graced several radio programs to discuss partnerships with NYC and USAID’s TB Platforms.
On the other hand, also expressing support is the 2030 Youth Force in the Philippines group led by Dr. Dexter Galban, who is concurrent National Director for Global Initiatives and Commissioner for the Population Commission (POPCOM) under the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).
'The 2030 Youth Force in the Philippines responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by shifting all its campaigns, projects and events online. This led to our partnership with USAID’s TB Platforms in promoting TB education amid the pandemic. While the advocacy sphere has been challenged by the limitations regarding in-person events and community-based activities, more so the youth, the organization continues to develop innovative ways to empower young leaders and inspire change for a healthier nation' Galban said.
'The Filipino youth have the passion, skills, and grit to create new impactful ways of disseminating critical health information about TB and COVID-19. The best defense against the spread of both diseases is an even faster spread of proper information on how Filipinos can beat these killer diseases. We will continue to influence our peers to join this crusade using our social media platforms,' he added."
YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS HELD THE FIRST-EVER STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND YOUTH ADDRESS (SEYA) 2020
August 4, 2020
Human Rights Online Philippines
"In response to the fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte, environmental and climate youth-led organizations virtually came together to hold their own version of SONA—the State of the Environment and Youth Address (SEYA) 2020. Invited resource persons and participants hail from the three main islands in the country, allowing for better representation. Among the resource persons were from the youth sector, NGOs, and two government officials.
Furthermore, Population and Development Commissioner Dexter Galban raised the need to strike a balance between taking care of the environment and taking care of our health. “Kaya ako ay nananawagan bilang bahagi ng mga kabataan, bilang bahagi ng sektor pangkalusugan, at bilang bahagi ng pamahalaan, sana po ay makaisip tayo ng mga paraan, produkto, at aktibong pamamaraan upang bigyan ng tama at responsableng alaga ang ating bayan, klima, at kalusugan.” he concluded, ending the Youth Agenda and Demands discussion."
100% SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT IS THE BETTER NORMAL - HEALTH EXPERTS
May 1, 2020
HealthJustice Philippines
"Health experts recommend that public spaces should be 100% smoke-free in order to protect public health. In a webinar organized by HealthJustice Philippines last Friday, health and tobacco control advocates and experts are in agreement that 'having a 100% smoke-free environment in both public and private spaces should be the better normal.'
The said webinar, which was moderated by Ralph Emerson Degollacion of HealthJustice and Chelsea Hill of Social Watch Philippines Youth, featured Dr. Susan Mercado, a public health expert who previously served as the Director of Non-communicable Diseases and Health through the Life‑Course at the World Health Organization Western Pacific Region; Dr. Beverly Ho, Health Promotion and Communication Service Director and Special Assistant to the Secretary of Health at the Department of Health; and Dexter Galban, Health Ambassador of the 2030 Youth Force in the Philippines. Dr. Daniel Tan, Board Member of HealthJustice, gave the opening remarks.
Dexter Galban, a youth leader and advocate for public health, highlighted the role of the youth during this time. 'When the pandemic first came into light, we saw a blitzkrieg of publication materials by done by a lot of youth groups, particularly addressing the signs and symptoms of Covid-19, how they can volunteer, and how they can help,' Galban observed.
Galban encouraged workers in the public health sector to continue involving the youth in their programs. 'We are open for collaborations and partnerships so we can capitalize on this small window where the young people are very active and have put their attention particularly to health,' Galban said."
YOUNG ACTIVISTS LAUNCH PARTNERSHIP FOR URGENT ACTION ON THE GLOBAL GOALS
January 23, 2020
Project Everyone
"Today, leading young activists under the age of 30, from twelve countries have formed the Youth Power Panel, launching a global initiative to accelerate youth action for the Global Goals in 2020 Their announcement comes in response to a speech from UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, calling on the General Assembly to make 2020 the year of urgency, kick starting a decade of action to deliver the Goals by their 2030 deadline.
The Youth Power Panel brings together high-profile youth activists from the USA, UK, Mexico, Philippines, India, Kenya, Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Lebanon, Barbados and France. They aim to empower fellow youth activists around the world by connecting local grassroots campaigns with funding; amplifying youth actions that are creating change; developing tools to help young people track the goals and holding their leaders to account for their delivery."
YOUTH POWER IS THE ANSWER TO THE WORLD'S BIGGEST PROBLEMS
January 23, 2020
Restless Development
"Young people stand ready, and united, to make the Global Goals a reality. Collective action from young people is already changing things for the better, like the youth-led school strikes on climate change. Young people are fighting FOR fairness, justice, and the environment. They are fighting AGAINST inequality, persecution and climate change.
The Youth Power campaign will help bring youth activists together, providing technical advocacy and campaigning support, establishing systems of learning and collaboration as well as funding, resourcing and amplifying grass-roots youth-led campaigns all over the world.
The Youth Power panel are a 12-strong panel and come from all over the world. They will be instrumental in organising the biggest youth generation in history to make the world a better place. They will support and connect local grassroots campaigns with funding; amplify youth actions that are creating change; developing tools to help young people everywhere track the goals and hold their leaders to account for their delivery."
