In the heart of Palawan in 1999, a spark of bravery lit the way for what would become one of the country’s most enduring health movements. On June 14 of that year, through Executive Order No. 10 by then Governor Salvador P. Socrates, the Kilusan Ligtas Malaria (KLM) program was born. What began as a partnership between Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) and the Provincial Government of Palawan would soon transform into a nationwide call to action.
Back then, malaria was not just a disease—it was a looming threat that cost countless lives, one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the province. Yet, against this formidable enemy, communities stood maiseg—Cuyonon for brave.
Bravery, in this story, has never been about grand gestures. It is found in the quiet persistence of barangay health workers trekking through muddy roads, in volunteers who spend nights under mosquito nets teaching families about prevention, in doctors and local leaders who refused to give up the fight. Bravery is in every health provider, every family, and every partner who chose to show up.
Through the years, what was once Kilusan Ligtas Malarya grew into the Movement Against Malaria (MAM)—a nationwide initiative supported by the Global Fund, local governments, and the relentless commitment of thousands of unsung heroes. From organizing congresses that brought stakeholders together, to World Malaria Day celebrations that raised awareness, the movement has steadily built momentum.
And the results speak for themselves. By 2020, 60 provinces were declared malaria-free. Behind this milestone are over 10,000 trained health providers—each one a thread in the fabric of resilience and courage.
Today, as we mark this anniversary, we remember not just the milestones but the language of care, courage, and community that defines this movement. Maiseg is not only about braving mosquitoes or long journeys into far-flung barangays. It is about the collective spirit that chose hope over fear, persistence over surrender.
As PSFI celebrates this legacy, may we continue to honor the bravery that began in Palawan and grew into a nationwide movement—proof that with courage, collaboration, and compassion, even the deadliest diseases can be defeated.
