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First Beta Test For Cervical Cancer Month Launch

CerviQ syong Paara sa Kababaihan Sa Araw ng mga Puso
16
Feb

In line with the National Cancer Awareness Month, District 2 Quezon City Councilor Estrella “Star” Valmocina and Barangay Chairman of Barangay Holy Spirit in Quezon City, Superkap Felicito “Chito” Valmocina led a FREE Cervical Cancer Screening and Wellness Program to the townspeople of Brgy. Holy Spirit this Valentine’s Day 2020. 

The event highlighted the first beta testing of CerviQ, the first telehealth mobile application aimed to Detect Cervical Cancer using a smartphone. This is in preparation for the planned CerviQ launch this may in time for the National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and geared toward the beginning of an End Cervical Cancer Philippines movement. The test was done in collaboration with the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS) through its Patient Navigation Program chief, Director Romie “Rom” Marcaida.

“We did a double set-up cervical screening using VIA, one done by our trained PCS nurse and another by independent medical personnel tasked to take a photo of the cervix. The images are then sent to VIA Doctor Specialist for interpretation, to be sent back for the printing of results, then given to the patient. Results of our trained nurse and VIA Doctor Specialist shall then be compared to assure the accuracy of reads. For now, this is our first test as we move to enter this into a formal trial soon and launch in time for the National Cervical Cancer Month in May”, Director Rom Marcaida added. 

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CerviQ is a brainchild of Dr. Bogs Rivera, a radiation oncologist by profession, a member of Rotary International District 3810 for 5 years, saw the need to address the Cervical Cancer burden in the country. In a short message, he said, “While most are focused on COVID, let us not lose sight that Cervical Cancer kills an estimated 11 Filipino mothers each day, every day!” We plan to launch officially CerviQ this May inline with the Department of Health’s Cervical Cancer Month.

The Rotary Club of Manila JP Laurel Malacanang, led by its Champion President Olivia “Olive” Tindoy spearhead this cervical screening mission that include supporting clubs: the Rotary Club of Pasay Maharlika, the Rotary Club of Malate Ermita Kophil Manila, Rotary Club of Padre Burgos Manila, Inner Wheel Club of Central Makati (District 383), Inner Wheel Club of Quezon City Central (District 378), and the Inner Wheel District 378.

F-Salon, a one-stop beauty franchise salon and spa were likewise present to provide beauty and wellness to townfolks of Brgy Holy Spirit, The franchise offered Free haircuts, hair spa, foot spa, and other services.

Tamayo Essential provided free Veggie Coffee while Barangay Holy Spirit prepared congee for the early registrants in the morning.

Overall, the project was a success as followers of Councilor Star posted a double V sign on their Facebook signifying another Victory for people, led by the Valmocina couple.

In an interview with District 2 Quezon City Councilor Estrella “Star” Valmocina by Inspiring President and Vlogger, Michael Roy Soliman of the Rotary Club of Chinatown Circle, “I plan to do a similar cervical cancer screening mission for the whole of District 2 and perhaps come up with cervical screening facilities in each barangay”. With help from the Philippine Cancer Society and CerviQ, that dream may very much likely become a reality. She went further expressing her 100% support for CerviQ.

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A short lecture on Cervical Cancer and the CerviQ app was given by Dr. Bogs Rivera. Director Rom Marcaida of the Philippine Cancer Society announced they give their 100% support to the CerviQ app. The two organizations plan to team up and do a 5 to 10 day Northern Luzon caravan conducting screening beginning in Bulacan to as north of Cagayan likely in April 2020. The Philippine Cancer Society Bus which can hold screenings up to 2 patients at a time shall be stationed in five to as many as 10 locations, 1 location per day before it plans to head back home to Manila. The Internet shall be provided by Big Sky 2.0., a satellite internet company with 20 years in the industry. Data gathered will then be released in May in line with the National Cervical Cancer Month.

Jesus Randy RIvera

A graduate of the esteemed Far Eastern University - Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation, Dr. Rivera is a radiation oncologist by profession, equipped with specialized training in IMRT and prostate brachytherapy. His expertise has been honed through experiences at renowned institutions such as the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas and the Chicago Prostate Center in Chicago, among others. However, his contributions extend far beyond the clinical realm. Dr Bogs Rivera is the visionary founder of CerviQ, an advocacy group passionately committed to eradicating cervical cancer in the Philippines. Through innovative screening programs, leveraging artificial intelligence and remote diagnostic technologies, CerviQ strives to increase access to cervical cancer screenings in communities, facilitating early detection and potentially life-saving interventions. His leadership not only empowers healthcare professionals but also empowers communities, enabling barangay health workers to conduct screenings efficiently and accurately, with rapid turnaround times for results. Dr. Bogs Rivera embodies the intersection of medical expertise and humanitarianism, dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes and championing the cause of public health in the Philippines.