About us
One person searched for others.
A community was born.
More than 21 years ago, one Filipino living with psoriasis asked a simple question:
“Are there other Filipinos with Psoriasis like me in this group?”
When psoriasis was poorly understood and rarely discussed in the Philippines, Josef De Guzman searched the internet for people who shared his experience. He found Yahoo groups for psoriasis and other skin conditions worldwide and reached out, inviting Filipino patients to connect and chat.
After several weeks, about four people responded.
That small conversation became the beginning of something much bigger.
In 2005, Psoriasis Philippines was founded by Josef De Guzman, whose search for community sparked a national movement for change.
Today, our community has grown to reach over 40,000 people through Facebook, helping change perceptions and improve care nationwide.
More than psoriasis.
More than skin.
Psoriasis is not simply a skin condition.
It is a chronic disease that can affect the skin, joints, physical health, emotional well-being, relationships and everyday life. Psoriatic arthritis and other associated conditions can add another layer of pain and disability.
That is why Psoriasis Philippines advocates for the whole person.
We are a patient-led support and advocacy organization working to improve the lives of Filipinos affected by psoriatic disease. We believe that patients should not have to face their condition alone, settle for inadequate care, or remain silent because of stigma.
Our work is rooted in a simple principle:
Every Filipino living with psoriatic disease deserves understanding, dignity, support, and access to appropriate treatment.
Psoriasis is not simply a skin condition.
It is a chronic disease that can affect the skin, joints, physical health, emotional well-being, relationships and everyday life. Psoriatic arthritis and other associated conditions can add another layer of pain and disability.
That is why Psoriasis Philippines advocates for the whole person.
We are a patient-led support and advocacy organization working to improve the lives of Filipinos affected by psoriatic disease. We believe that patients should not have to face their condition alone, settle for inadequate care, or remain silent because of stigma.
Our work is rooted in a simple principle:
Every Filipino living with psoriatic disease deserves understanding, dignity, support, and access to appropriate treatment.
The voice of Filipino patients
Since our founding in 2005, Psoriasis Philippines has worked to ensure that patients’ voices and experiences are heard.
We have supported efforts in both the House of Representatives and the Senate to advance legislation that can help give Filipino patients better access to treatment.
We work closely with the Philippine Dermatological Society and the Philippine Rheumatology Association to strengthen patient care and create opportunities for people living with psoriatic disease to receive better information, consultation, and support.
Through the PsorPhil Caravan, we bring patient education, advocacy, and services closer to communities outside major urban centers, particularly where access to specialists is limited.
We also conduct Free Skin and Bone Clinics at least four times a year in partnership with dermatologists and rheumatologists, helping Filipinos who may otherwise struggle to access specialized care.
This is patient advocacy in action.
Patient-led. Community-driven.
Globally connected.
What makes Psoriasis Philippines different is that our work begins with patients.
Patients help shape our priorities. Patients share their experiences. Patients speak with policymakers. Patients help educate their communities. Patients become advocates for others.
Psoriasis Philippines is also internationally recognized as the only patient support and advocacy organization from the Philippines dedicated to psoriatic disease, and has been a member of the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations since 2005.
Our relationships with international patient and health organizations allow Filipino patients to join a larger global movement working for better understanding, stronger health systems, and improved care for people living with psoriatic disease.
But our strongest connection remains the community we serve.
From five people to a movement
The growth of Psoriasis Philippines is not the story of one person or one organization.
The growth of Psoriasis Philippines is not the story of one person or one organization.
It is the story of thousands of people who chose to speak up.
It is the story of patients who shared their experiences so others would feel less alone.
It is the story of families who learned to understand psoriasis.
It is the story of doctors and healthcare professionals who partnered with patients.
It is the story of advocates who approached lawmakers and institutions.
It is the story of volunteers who traveled to communities far from the country's major medical centers.
And it is the story of a community that refused to allow psoriasis to define the limits of their lives.
Our dedicated community work has also been recognized, including the Bayaníng Samahang Pilipino recognition from the Ugat Foundation.
Every recognition matters.
But for us, the greatest measure of success is simpler:
A patient who finally finds someone who understands.
A person who receives the care they need.
A young person who no longer feels ashamed of their skin.
A family that understands that psoriasis is more than a cosmetic problem.
A patient who discovers that they have a voice.
Where we are going
Our journey is far from over. We continue to work toward a Philippines where every person living with psoriatic disease can access appropriate treatment, inspiring hope and confidence that change is possible.
We envision a Philippines where every person living with psoriatic disease can access appropriate treatment, regardless of where they live or what level.
We want a country where psoriasis is understood as a serious chronic disease, where psoriatic arthritis is recognized and treated, and where patients can seek help without fear, shame or discrimination.
We want to see a future where stigma no longer prevents people with psoriasis from participating fully in their families, workplaces and communities.
Most of all, we want every Filipino living with psoriatic disease to know one thing:
You are not alone.
For more than two decades, Psoriasis Philippines has been building that future together with patients, families, healthcare professionals, policymakers, institutions, partners and supporters.
What began with four people answering a call for connection has become a movement.
And we are still growing.
Beyond Our Skin. Beyond Our Limits.
Psoriasis may be part of our lives.
It does not have to define them.
Psoriasis Philippines will continue to stand with every Filipino affected by psoriatic disease, advocate for better care, challenge stigma, build stronger communities, and work toward a future where no one is left behind.
Because everyone deserves more than treatment.
Everyone deserves to be heard.
Everyone deserves to belong.
Everyone deserves the chance to live beyond the limits psoriasis tries to place on their lives.