COMELEC ANEX BUILDING, INTRAMUROS – Just one day after a cervical cancer awareness lecture at the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), awareness was transformed into action as 41 women underwent cervical cancer screening on June 11, 2026.
The screening activity was conducted at the COMELEC Health Services Division located at the COMELEC Annex Building along Arzobispo Street in Intramuros, Manila.
The event served as a continuation of the cervical cancer awareness initiative held the previous day, where employees learned about human papillomavirus (HPV), cervical cancer prevention, vaccination, and the importance of regular screening.
For Dr. Jesus Randy “Bogs” Rivera, Radiation Oncologist and Founder of End Cervical Cancer Philippines Organization, Inc. (CerviQ), the turnout demonstrated the power of health education.
“Many women do not undergo screening because they do not feel any symptoms. Once they understand that cervical cancer often develops silently, they begin to realize the importance of prevention and early detection,” he explained.
One participant shared that the lecture motivated her to finally schedule a screening.
“Nagpalista ako kasi medyo natakot ako pagkatapos ng lecture. Akala ko dati kailangan may sintomas muna bago magpasuri. Ngayon naintindihan ko na mas mabuti palang maagapan habang wala pang nararamdaman.”
The participant’s sentiment echoed the message emphasized during the awareness session—that women should not wait for symptoms before seeking screening.
Unlike many cancers, cervical cancer is highly preventable through vaccination and regular screening. In its early stages, the disease may not cause any symptoms at all, making preventive screening an essential part of women’s healthcare.
The June 11 screening activity utilized Speculoscope-Assisted Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA), an enhanced cervical screening approach that combines traditional VIA with digital magnification and image documentation.
A unique feature of the program was the immediate evaluation provided on-site by Dr. Rivera. Participants received instant assessment of their cervical images, along with printed and emailed reports for documentation and future reference.
According to Dr. Rivera, the screening results were highly encouraging.
All 41 women screened were generally found to be free of visible precancerous cervical lesions requiring further evaluation for cervical cancer.
While no participants were found to have findings suspicious for cervical precancer, several women were provided medical advice and treatment for other gynecologic concerns identified during the consultation process. Some received recommendations and medications to help alleviate symptoms associated with menopause, while others were treated for vaginal itching, irritation, or infections.
The findings highlight another important benefit of cervical cancer screening programs: they often provide women an opportunity to discuss symptoms and health concerns that might otherwise go unaddressed.
The activity was made possible through the efforts 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 Health Services Team.
For CerviQ and its partners, the success of the activity serves as a reminder that awareness campaigns are most effective when coupled with accessible screening services.
A lecture can educate.
A screening can save a life.
And when awareness is followed by action, communities move one step closer to eliminating cervical cancer.
“Awareness sparked the conversation. Screening turned knowledge into action. Forty-one COMELEC employees took an important step toward protecting their health through cervical cancer screening.”
