A recent article by Gideon Silverman entitled “The Importance of Private Health Insurance in the Philippines” described the health situation in the Philippines and his vision to provide health insurance to the poor. Mr. Silverman said that “Health insurance is particularly important in the Philippines, my focus market, where preventable diseases are the major cause of illness and mortality. Heart disease and diabetes account for approximately 25 of all mortalities. One in five Filipinos has diabetes, and one in three has high cholesterol. The Philippines government and the World Health Organization have recognized many cases of these “lifestyle-related diseases” are preventable or controllable through better nutrition and exercise.