Quezon City, Philippines — October 1, 2025
At the historic Mira Nila Mansion, the Global United Nations Association of the Philippines (Global UNAP) celebrated 80 years of great women leadership and the enduring UN legacy in the Philippines. Among the distinguished honorees was Dr. Jesus Randy “Bogs” Rivera, founder of End Cervical Cancer Philippines Organization Inc. (ECCPOI), who was recognized for his outstanding contributions toward the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 17 — Partnerships for the Goals.
Understanding SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 17 (SDG 17) emphasizes the power of collaboration, cooperation, and global partnership in achieving all the Sustainable Development Goals. It calls for strengthening the means of implementation — through finance, technology, capacity building, trade, and systemic alignment — to ensure that no one is left behind.
In simple terms, SDG 17 recognizes that progress is possible only when governments, civil society, the private sector, and individuals work together to create lasting solutions for people and the planet. It champions unity in diversity, echoing the belief that “the world’s challenges are shared, and so must be the solutions.”
ECCPOI and the Spirit of SDG 17
Dr. Bogs Rivera’s organization, End Cervical Cancer Philippines (ECCPOI), embodies the very essence of SDG 17 through its multi-sectoral approach to saving lives.
ECCPOI builds bridges between the public and private sectors, local and international partners, and technology and healthcare, in its mission to eliminate cervical cancer in the Philippines.
Through partnerships with the Department of Science and Technology – Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI), local government units (LGUs), Rotary and Inner Wheel Clubs, medical societies, and academic institutions, ECCPOI promotes accessible, affordable, and technology-enabled cervical cancer screening programs.
By developing locally engineered speculoscopes and integrating artificial intelligence (AI) for remote diagnosis and image-based screening, ECCPOI demonstrates how innovation thrives when powered by shared purpose. These partnerships are not only advancing women’s health but also creating a model of sustainable collaboration that supports national and global health goals.
A Celebration of Peace, Development, and Human Rights
The Global UNAP event, themed “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights,” paid tribute to Filipino leaders and organizations whose work aligns with the UN’s global mission. The celebration honored the late Senator Helena Benitez — a trailblazer for women’s leadership in international diplomacy — and recognized new changemakers continuing her legacy of service.
Guests were treated to a historical tour of the Mira Nila Mansion, followed by the Parade of Colors, flag hoisting, and floral offering led by Ambassador Rosario Manalo. The event featured inspiring messages from dignitaries including Dr. Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, Mrs. Cecile Guidote Alvarez, and Atty. Bienvenido Benitez, among others.
In his message, Global UNAP President Roderick C. Cruz emphasized unity and shared responsibility:
“Peace, development, and human rights are not merely global goals — they are shared responsibilities. Together, we honor the past, act in the present, and build a future that upholds the dignity of all.”
Dr. Rivera’s Message: Partnership as the Path to Elimination
In receiving the award, Dr. Bogs Rivera highlighted that ending cervical cancer is not only a medical mission but a collective national movement.
“No single organization can eliminate cervical cancer alone. It takes partnership — between government, doctors, communities, and innovators — to make every woman’s life a priority. This is the heart of SDG 17: working together for a healthier, more equitable future.”
He also emphasized ECCPOI’s ongoing initiatives, such as:
“Silip Cervix, Sagip Buhay”, a community screening campaign with LGUs and civic groups;
The Philippine Cervix Image Bank, in collaboration with DOST-ASTI, to develop the country’s first AI for cervical cancer screening; and
PhilHealth YAKAP Clinics, where women can access free cervical screening and preventive care under universal health coverage.
Heartfelt Thanks to Global UNAP
Dr. Rivera extended his deepest gratitude to the Global UNAP leadership for this meaningful recognition.
“I am sincerely honored and humbled by this acknowledgment. My heartfelt thanks to President Ric Cruz for his vision and leadership in uniting changemakers under the spirit of global solidarity; to Prof. Alice Lucas, whose grace and dedication made this event a celebration of service and humanity; and to Mr. Tony Cama, whose steadfast support continues to empower advocates like us to keep pushing boundaries for peace, partnership, and progress.**
He added that the recognition is not just for him, but for all women, health workers, and communities striving to make cervical cancer a disease of the past.
Partnerships That Inspire Hope
As the United Nations marks eight decades of service, the recognition of Dr. Rivera and ECCPOI stands as a powerful reminder that partnerships transform vision into action. From grassroots barangays to national policy tables, ECCPOI’s collaborative spirit shows how SDG 17 can be lived out daily — in every screening, every alliance, and every life saved.
Read More: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dpnetwork/posts/4109393369326640/
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