PALACIO DEL GUBERNADOR – The fight against cervical cancer begins not in the hospital, but with awareness, prevention, and early detection.
On June 10, 2026, more than one hundred employees of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) gathered at the Chairman’s Hall of Palacio del Gobernador to learn about one of the most preventable forms of cancer affecting women today—cervical cancer.
The activity served as a continuation of the HPV awareness lecture conducted last February 26, 2026, entitled “Shine a Light on Cervical Cancer: What is HPV?” This follow-up session reinforced the importance of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and cervical cancer screening as critical tools in preventing a disease that continues to claim the lives of Filipino women every day.
The event was made possible through the partnership of the COMELEC Health Services Division headed by Dr. Zosimo Gerard R. Sallao Jr., Chief of Health Services, together with Dr. Alfred Benitez, Dr. Marilou Pangalangan, and the dedicated members of the Health Services Team.
Invited as resource speaker was Dr. Jesus Randy “Bogs” Rivera, Radiation Oncologist and Founder of End Cervical Cancer Philippines Organization, Inc. (CerviQ), who discussed the burden of cervical cancer in the Philippines and the simple but powerful measures available to prevent it.
During the lecture, Dr. Rivera emphasized a message that is often overlooked by many women:
“Unlike many cancers, cervical cancer is highly preventable.”
Through HPV vaccination and regular screening, precancerous changes in the cervix can be detected and treated long before they develop into cancer.
He also reminded participants not to wait for symptoms before seeking screening.
“If you wait for symptoms to appear, the disease may already be advanced. Cervical cancer in its early stages often has no symptoms at all. Screening allows us to find abnormalities before cancer develops.”
The discussion generated active participation from attendees, with many raising questions regarding HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening.
Among the most common questions were whether women still need screening even if they have no symptoms, and whether screening remains necessary after receiving the HPV vaccine.
The answer, according to Dr. Rivera, is a resounding yes.
While HPV vaccination significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer, it does not eliminate the need for screening. Likewise, the absence of symptoms does not guarantee the absence of disease. Regular screening remains one of the most effective strategies for early detection and prevention.
What made the activity particularly impactful was that it did not end with awareness alone.
Immediately following the lecture, participants were invited to register for a cervical cancer screening activity scheduled the next day, June 11, 2026, at the COMELEC Health Services Division.
The response was overwhelmingly positive.
More than forty women registered through a QR code registration system, demonstrating a strong commitment among COMELEC employees to take proactive steps toward protecting their health.
The screening initiative will utilize Speculoscope-Assisted Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA), a technology-enhanced screening approach being promoted by CerviQ and its partners.
Participants will undergo screening from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with images of the cervix captured using the Speculoscope and evaluated by Dr. Rivera. One of the unique features of the program is the immediate release of results, allowing participants to receive a printed report complete with cervical images and a digital copy sent directly to their email.
The initiative highlights an important principle in cancer prevention: awareness is only the first step. Real impact happens when education is matched with access to screening and timely medical evaluation.
As the Philippines continues its efforts toward the World Health Organization’s goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem, partnerships between government agencies, healthcare professionals, and advocacy organizations remain essential.
Through programs such as this, COMELEC demonstrates that workplace wellness extends beyond routine healthcare services and can play a meaningful role in protecting the lives of women through prevention, early detection, and action.
Because when it comes to cervical cancer, the best treatment is preventing it before it ever begins.
