Participants both adult and young ostomates (urostomates too) graced the Ostomy Lay Forum as part of the World Ostomy Day Activities.
World Ostomy Day was commemorated this year with a deeply meaningful and impactful lay forum centered on the sensitive topic of “People with a Stoma and Bullying.” The event brought together patients, caregivers, medical professionals, and the general public to foster a supportive and educational environment. The speaker for the event was Ms, Karla Menez RN who is an ostomy and woundcare nurse of the NKTI hospital. The talk discussed on the psychological and social challenges faced by individuals living with an ostomy, particularly focusing on experiences of stigma and bullying.
The forum aimed not only to raise awareness about the physical aspects of stoma care but, more importantly, to empower ostomates to navigate social situations with confidence and to educate the wider community on the importance of empathy, acceptance, and non-discrimination. The atmosphere was one of shared experience and solidarity, proving to be a powerful step toward dismantling misconceptions and fostering genuine inclusion.
To complement the forum’s theme and give ostomates a voice, an accompanying essay writing contest was held on the same topic: “People with a Stoma and Bullying.” This creative outlet encouraged participants to articulate their personal experiences, reflections, or proposed solutions regarding bullying and life with an ostomy. The contest received numerous heartfelt and compelling submissions, demonstrating the profound need for platforms where these stories can be shared. A panel of judges meticulously reviewed the entries based on emotional impact, clarity of message, and originality, ultimately selecting five outstanding winners. The winning essays provided moving and insightful perspectives, further amplifying the core message of the World Ostomy Day celebration—that compassion and understanding are vital in creating a safe and respectful world for everyone with a stoma.
The success of the day’s events and the association’s sustained commitment to advocacy did not go unnoticed on the global stage. This year, the National Federation of Ostomates of the Philippines, (NFOP, Inc) received the highest honor, winning First Prize along with other countries in the prestigious World Ostomy Awards.
This international recognition serves as a testament to the dedication, innovation, and impact of their efforts in promoting stoma awareness and patient well-being. The award celebrates the association’s successful comprehensive approach, which integrated direct patient support through the lay forum with powerful public advocacy through distribution of free colostomy bags. This accolade marks a significant achievement for the entire stoma community, validating the importance of addressing the social challenges, like bullying, alongside the medical aspects of living with an ostomy.
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