On September 6, the Inner Wheel Club District 383, under the leadership of District Chair Dr. Argie Villain, partnered with the Manila Girl Scout Council to bring forward a meaningful initiative — Project GABAY: Girl’s Advocacy for Balance, Awareness, and Youth Wellness. Held at Nagtahan, Pandacan, Manila, the program gathered young women eager to learn more about self-care, mental health, and health advocacy.
The program featured three insightful talks:
“Self Space Acts” by Dr. Albert Villamor of DepEd Marikina City (sponsored by IWC Hiraya Parañaque), which emphasized the importance of self-awareness and creating healthy spaces for personal growth.
“Good Mental Health” by Dr. Christine Guevarra of Delos Santos Medical Center (sponsored by IWC Parañaque), guiding students on how to maintain emotional balance amidst school pressures and daily challenges.
“Prevention is Better than Cure: Protecting Ourselves from Cervical Cancer” by Dr. Bogs Rivera, founder and CEO of End Cervical Cancer Philippines Organization Inc. (CerviQ) (sponsored by IWC Makati). Dr. Rivera underscored the importance of HPV vaccination and early cervical cancer screening as vital steps in protecting young women’s health. He shared how cervical cancer, though preventable, remains one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among Filipinas.
This segment was particularly powerful as it aligned with the global movement to eliminate cervical cancer, and spotlighted the advocacy of Inner Wheel Clubs of the Philippines through their flagship program “Wheel Can Cerv” — a collaborative effort with End Cervical Cancer Philippines (ECCPOI) to spread awareness, expand HPV vaccination, and increase access to cervical screening nationwide.
Building Healthier, Empowered Communities
Project GABAY was more than just a series of lectures; it was a safe space where the youth were empowered to take charge of their overall well-being. From mental resilience to cancer prevention, the program illustrated that health awareness must begin early — and that every young woman deserves access to life-saving knowledge and care.
We commend the Inner Wheel Club District 383, the Manila Girl Scout Council, and all partner organizations for making this event a success. By integrating advocacy into education, we are shaping not just healthy individuals, but a healthier nation.
Together, through initiatives like Project GABAY and Wheel Can Cerv, we are taking real steps toward a future where no Filipina dies of cervical cancer.
