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AS THE Philippines continues to intensify its efforts to eliminate cervical cancer, local government units (LGUs) are playing an essential role in ensuring that HPV vaccination, screening, and treatment programs reach communities across the country. Cervical cancer, largely caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), remains the second most common cancer among Filipino women, claiming the lives of 12 Filipinas daily. However, this preventable disease continues to pose a significant public health challenge.
During the Together for Health: The Progress Made and What More Needs to Be Done for Cervical Cancer Elimination forum—held in alignment with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action—key stakeholders discussed the critical role of LGUs in realizing global cervical cancer elimination goals.
LGUs at the Forefront of Prevention
The WHO has set out a clear roadmap to eliminate cervical cancer, targeting a 90–70–90 approach by 2030:
• 90% of girls fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15.
• 70% of women undergo high-performance screening by ages 35 and 45.
• 90% of women with pre-cancer or invasive cancer receive timely and effective treatment.
Local government units are critical to achieving these targets by integrating these goals into community health programs. Local leaders have emphasized the importance of tailored strategies to reach underserved areas and improve access to services.
Success Stories from Local Government Leaders
Hon. Arth Jhun Marasigan, Mayor of Sto. Tomas, Batangas, shared his municipality’s focus on improving access to vaccination in rural communities. “Our strategy is to bring vaccination services closer to our constituents, working closely with barangay health workers to identify and engage eligible individuals,” said Marasigan.
Similarly, Hon. Gelo Devanadera, Mayor of Sampaloc, Quezon, shared the success of his municipality in achieving a 100% HPV vaccination rate despite financial constraints. “We focus on reaching every household through consistent engagement, leveraging community partnerships to maximize the available resources,” Devanadera emphasized.
Policies That Drive Change
LGUs are also instrumental in crafting policies to support cervical cancer prevention efforts. Hon. Alex Castro, Vice Governor of Bulacan, discussed the importance of a provincial approach to vaccination, ensuring that all municipalities within the province benefit from health initiatives.
Meanwhile, Hon. Charm Ferrer, Councilor of Quezon City District 1 and cervical cancer survivor, underscored the need for policies that prioritize prevention, particularly for women. She advocated for a more comprehensive and supportive approach to women’s health, stressing that the local government’s role in cervical cancer prevention is crucial.
Collaboration with National Agencies
The forum also highlighted the need for continued collaboration between LGUs, national agencies like the Department of Health (DOH), and the Department of Education (DepEd) to ensure the success of vaccination and screening programs. Partnerships with LGUs help increase the reach and impact of initiatives like Bakuna Eskwela, a school-based immunization program aimed at boosting HPV vaccination rates.
Hon. Natasha Co, Representative of the BHW Partylist, highlighted the importance of local government engagement in these programs, noting, “The role of local governments is critical to the success of national health programs. We need to strengthen collaborations to reach underserved communities and ensure women and girls are protected.”
Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy
One challenge in the fight against cervical cancer is overcoming vaccine hesitancy, especially in rural areas where misinformation can discourage participation. Local leaders can leverage their influence to provide accurate information and encourage families to get vaccinated.
Hon. Co emphasized the need for education as a tool to counter vaccine hesitancy, stating that awareness campaigns must reach beyond urban areas.
Looking Ahead
With the active involvement of LGUs, the Philippines is making progress toward achieving the WHO’s cervical cancer elimination targets. However, it is clear that continued collaboration, sufficient funding, and ongoing education are essential to the success of these programs. Local governments have the unique ability to engage their communities directly and create sustainable, impactful health initiatives that will protect future generations of women from cervical cancer.
As the country renews its commitment to eliminating cervical cancer, the role of local governments remains central to the Philippines’ efforts to protect women’s health and ensure that no community is left behind. ###
