Jan. 23, 2026 – Nearly one-third of all deaths recorded in the city in 2025 were due to premature death caused by cardiovascular diseases, cancer and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), according to an epidemiological analysis conducted by the City Health Services Office (CHSO).
The report showed that out of 3,098 total deaths from all causes in 2025, 950 individuals aged 30 to 70 years died prematurely from major NCDs. This means premature NCD deaths accounted for 30.6 percent of all recorded deaths in the city.
Cardiovascular diseases emerged as the leading cause of premature NCD deaths, accounting for 51.3 percent of cases. Cancer followed at 39.7 percent, while diabetes mellitus comprised 8.2 percent. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) accounted for less than one percent of cases.
Of the 950 premature NCD deaths, 566 were males (59.6 percent) while 384 were females (40.4 percent). Using Baguio City’s total population of 385,640, the premature NCD mortality rate was recorded at 246.4 deaths per 100,000 population. Male mortality was significantly higher at 296.5 per 100,000 compared to 197.2 per 100,000 among females.
Health officials noted that premature NCD deaths increased with age, peaking among those aged 60 to 69 years for both sexes. Among females, high numbers were also observed in the 50 to 59 age group. Cardiovascular-related deaths were most common among older age groups, while cancer-related deaths were spread across ages 40 to 69.
In terms of location, districts with large populations such as Irisan, Atab, and Engineer’s Hill recorded higher numbers of premature NCD deaths. A significant number of cases were also listed as “Outside Baguio,” raising concerns about referral systems and differences between place of residence and place of death. Across nearly all districts, male deaths consistently outnumbered female deaths.
The report emphasized that because premature NCD mortality in the city remains high, disproportionately affects males, and is largely driven by cardiovascular diseases and cancer, there is a need to strengthen prevention programs, expand screening and early detection services, improve continuity of care, and implement targeted interventions in high-burden districts.
Officials said addressing preventable NCD deaths will require sustained and coordinated efforts aligned with national health strategies and strengthened local health systems. ** Aileen P. Refuerzo
