At De La Salle University Dasmariñas, a meaningful Women’s Month seminar highlighted the importance of HPV awareness and cervical cancer prevention as essential components of reproductive health and overall wellness.
Held in Dasmariñas, Cavite, the event titled “Understanding Reproductive Health as Essential Wellness for Women Across Gender” brought together members of the academic community to promote informed decision-making, early detection, and inclusive health education.
Organized through the collaborative efforts of the De La Salle University Dasmariñas Development Cooperative, led by Dr. Jennifer Arroyo, together with the Health Resource Management Office headed by Sr. Epitacio Mendiola Jr., and Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Sonia Gementiza, the seminar aimed to deepen understanding of reproductive health as a vital component of well-being—not just for women, but across all gender identities.
This initiative highlights the importance of HPV awareness and cervical cancer prevention in the Philippines, particularly among young adults and academic communities.
Reproductive Health as a Foundation of Holistic Wellness
Reproductive health is often discussed in limited terms, but the seminar emphasized a broader, more inclusive perspective. It is not only about childbearing or disease prevention—it is about:
Empowering individuals with knowledge
Promoting informed decision-making
Addressing stigma and misconceptions
Ensuring equitable access to healthcare
By reframing reproductive health as essential wellness, participants were encouraged to view it as a lifelong priority—interconnected with physical, emotional, and social health.
Bridging the Conversation: HPV Awareness and Cervical Cancer Prevention
A key highlight of the seminar was the talk delivered by Dr. Bogs Rivera, Founder of CerviQ – End Cervical Cancer Philippines Organization Inc.
Dr. Rivera underscored a critical yet often overlooked reality:
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers—yet it continues to claim the lives of Filipino women every day.
At the center of this issue is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)—the most common sexually transmitted infection globally. While many HPV infections resolve on their own, persistent infection with high-risk strains can lead to cervical cancer over time.
Key insights shared during the session included:
HPV affects all genders, not just women, reinforcing the need for inclusive education
Cervical cancer develops silently, often with no symptoms in its early stages
Early detection saves lives, making regular screening essential
Vaccination offers powerful protection, especially when given before exposure
The Role of Screening and Early Detection
Participants were introduced to practical, accessible approaches to cervical cancer prevention—particularly the use of Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) and emerging innovations such as speculoscope-assisted VIA.
These methods provide:
Immediate results
Cost-effective screening options
Greater accessibility in community settings
Opportunities for timely treatment
The integration of technology in screening—such as digital imaging and remote evaluation—was also highlighted as a game changer in expanding reach and improving accuracy, especially in underserved areas.
Women’s Month: A Call to Action
Aligned with the spirit of Women’s Month, the seminar served as more than just an educational session—it was a call to action.
It reminded everyone that:
Awareness is the first step toward prevention
Health-seeking behavior must be normalized and encouraged
Communities play a vital role in supporting women’s health
Inclusive conversations lead to inclusive care
By empowering individuals with the right knowledge and tools, initiatives like this help build a future where no woman dies from a preventable disease like cervical cancer.
Moving Forward Together
The success of the seminar reflects the commitment of De La Salle University Dasmariñas and its partners to promote a culture of health, awareness, and inclusivity.
As conversations around reproductive health continue to evolve, one message remains clear:
Protecting reproductive health is not just a women’s issue—it is a shared responsibility.
Through education, prevention, and innovation, we move one step closer to achieving a healthier, more informed, and more empowered society.
