BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) posted improvements in several indicators linked to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), particularly hypertension control and physical activity, but rising smoking and alcohol use among adolescents remain a concern.
David Kenneth Mendoza of the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) presented the findings during the 2025 Updated Survey dissemination on September 8, 2026, in Baguio City.
Mendoza said the survey examined major NCD risk factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity, as well as clinical indicators such as blood pressure.
Among adults in CAR, elevated blood pressure declined significantly from 15.1 percent in 2023 to 10.4 percent in 2025. The prevalence of true hypertension also dropped from 24.5% to 17.2% during the same period.
The region likewise recorded an improvement in hypertension control, with the proportion of hypertensive adults with controlled blood pressure increasing from 64.8% in 2023 to 70.4% in 2025.
Physical activity also showed favorable results. The proportion of CAR adults with insufficient physical activity decreased from 41 to 39.9%, lower than the national prevalence of 45.7%.
Among older persons, physical inactivity fell from about 54 to 41.6%, also significantly lower than the national rate of 50.3%.
However, the survey showed setbacks among adolescents. Current smoking increased slightly from 4.3% in 2023 to 4.6% in 2025, while current alcohol consumption rose from 7.8 to 9.3%.
Mendoza noted that smoking was more prevalent among male adolescents, at 7.7%, compared to 1.3% among females. About four in 10 adolescent current drinkers were also classified as binge drinkers.
Among adults, current smoking increased from 16.6 percent to 17.8 percent, although the figure remained below the national prevalence of 24.9 percent. Current alcohol consumption among adults stood at 38 percent, nearly the same as the national rate of 38.6 percent.
For senior citizens, current drinking declined from 22.7 to 20.3%, while current smoking stood at 14.4%, lower than the national prevalence of 16.5%.
Mendoza said the findings highlight the progress made in controlling hypertension and promoting physical activity while also pointing to the need for stronger interventions to prevent smoking and alcohol use among young people.
The survey is intended to provide updated data that can guide government health and nutrition programs aimed at reducing NCD risks and improving the health and well-being of Cordillerans. **JDP/RGA-PIA CAR)
