Screen to Save Lives!
“See Screen Save Lives!” — this powerful message echoed through the halls of the City Health Office Extension in Liang, City of Malolos, on April 24, 2025. More than just a slogan, it marked the beginning of a heartfelt, determined, and strategic effort to fight cervical cancer at the community level. The City Government of Malolos, under the leadership of City Health Officer Dr. Frederick Cesar Irineo T. Villano, MPA, and Hon. Atty. Christian D. Natividad, joined forces with dedicated healthcare workers, civic organizations, and provincial leaders to launch a one-day intensive training on cervical cancer prevention for frontline health workers.
The event brought together 14 nurses and midwives—two from each of the city’s seven rural health units (RHUs)—for a full-day session designed to educate, equip, and empower them with the knowledge and skills needed to protect the lives of thousands of women in Malolos. This training marked a significant milestone in the city’s journey toward eliminating cervical cancer and highlighted the critical role that grassroots health workers play in achieving this goal.
A Health Emergency We Can Prevent
Cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable yet persistent threats to women’s health in the Philippines. Thousands of women are diagnosed every year, and too many are lost to a disease that is both detectable and treatable if found early. According to the Department of Health, the target is to screen at least 5% of women at risk annually—a figure that translates to over 38,000 women in the province of Bulacan alone.
To meet this urgent need, Dr. Edwin Tecson, Chairman of the Provincial Public Health Office, delivered a rousing message of support and commitment. A fierce advocate for cervical cancer screening, he emphasized that eliminating cervical cancer is not a dream—it is an achievable mission, but only with the right partnerships and sustained efforts.
He extended deep gratitude to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for their donation of over 600 speculums and autoclave units—enough for one per LGU in Bulacan. These vital tools are laying the groundwork for scaling up Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) screening and routine HPV vaccination, two of the most effective and accessible strategies for early detection and prevention.
Knowledge That Transforms, Skills That Save
The morning was devoted to a series of informative and engaging lectures that set the context of the cervical cancer burden in the country. Leading the educational segment was Dr. Jesus Randy “Bogs” Rivera, founder of End Cervical Cancer Philippines Organization, Inc. Through his inspiring talk, participants were given a comprehensive overview of HPV transmission, the importance of early screening, and how local health workers can help women overcome barriers to access and care.
In the afternoon, theory gave way to hands-on learning. Each participant brought a patient from their RHU and, under close supervision from medical experts, performed Pap smear and VIA screenings—practical, low-cost methods that can save lives when done correctly and consistently.
This approach ensured that what they learned wasn’t just academic; it was immediately applicable. These nurses and midwives returned to their communities not just with knowledge, but with confidence, skills, and tools to lead the charge against cervical cancer.
A Coalition of Compassion
What made this event particularly meaningful was the collaborative spirit among all stakeholders. In addition to city and provincial leaders, the event was supported by passionate civic organizations. Notably, the We Bless We Care Foundation Incorporated, headed by Mr. Enrique Milan, expressed their full support for the province’s cervical cancer elimination campaign. They pledged to provide continued assistance and advocacy in future activities, proving that this fight belongs to everyone—not just the health sector.
When leaders, healthcare professionals, and civil society unite for a common purpose, the impact multiplies. The energy, commitment, and shared vision displayed during the training showed what is possible when everyone contributes their part.
A Legacy of Care
This campaign is not a one-time effort—it is the beginning of a legacy. A future where no woman suffers from a preventable disease. A time when daughters grow up in a community where cervical cancer is no longer a threat. And this future begins with the tireless, often unseen, work of midwives and nurses in barangay health centers, supported by leaders who believe in them.
The City of Malolos is setting an example for others to follow. It reminds us that real change happens on the ground—when knowledge is shared, when tools are provided, and when health workers are empowered to act.
A Thank You to Our Heroes
This milestone would not be possible without the unwavering efforts and commitment of many:
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Dr. Frederick Cesar Irineo T. Villano, MPA, for his visionary leadership and coordination
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Hon. Atty. Christian D. Natividad, for his full backing of public health initiatives in Malolos
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Dr. Edwin Tecson, for being a persistent voice for prevention across the province
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Dr. Jesus Randy “Bogs” Rivera and End Cervical Cancer Philippines Organization, Inc., for their medical expertise and mentorship
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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, for their timely and vital donation
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We Bless We Care Foundation, led by Mr. Enrique Milan, for their enduring support
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Malolos City Health Office team – especially Ms. Maria Christina Bulaong, Ms. Cherry Lou Bulaong Aguirre, and all other dedicated staff and volunteers
One Goal, One Message: Screen to Save
As we look to the future, let this be our shared message: Screen to Save.
Every woman screened is a life protected. Every health worker trained is a ripple of hope in their community. Every effort, no matter how small, brings us closer to a Philippines free from cervical cancer.
Together, we see, we screen, and we save lives.
