Public, Prevention and Screening, Vaccines and Immunization

Workplace HPV Education and Cervical Cancer Prevention Initiative at DOST ITDI

Workplace HPV Education and Cervical Cancer Prevention Initiative at DOST ITDI 1
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Over two packed days on January 29 and 30, the Department of Science and Technology – Industrial Technology Development Institute – DOST-ITDI opened its doors to an institute-wide conversation on Human Papillomavirus (HPV)—what it is, why it matters, and how knowledge can translate into prevention.

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The activity featured four (4) structured HPV awareness and education sessions, designed to reach as many employees as possible while allowing space for discussion, questions, and clarification. In total, more than 600 employees participated, underscoring the relevance of HPV education not only as a health topic, but as a workplace and family concern.

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Initiated from Within the Institute

The lecture series was initiated through the Merck Sharpe and Dohme (MSD), in collaboration with Pharma Quest, demonstrating how internal champions and external partners can work together to advance preventive health education.

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This internal drive helped ensure that the sessions were well-attended, practical, and aligned with the needs of a diverse scientific and administrative workforce.

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Broad Participation Across Divisions

Employees from nearly all ITDI divisions took part, including:

  • Chemicals and Energy Division (CED)

  • Environment and Biotechnology Division (EBD)

  • Food Processing Division (FPD)

  • Material Science Division (MSD)

  • Packaging Technology Division (PTD)

  • National Metrology Division (NMD)

  • Standards and Testing Division (STD)

  • Technological Services Division (TSD)

  • Administrative Division (ADM)

  • Financial Management Division (FMD)

  • Planning and Management Information System Division (PMISD)

The wide representation highlighted a shared understanding that HPV-related diseases cut across professions, genders, and age groups.

Leadership Support and Coordination

The initiative was carried forward with the support of Dr. Janet Quizon, Head of DOST–ITDI, whose backing emphasized that employee wellness is integral to institutional excellence.

Implementation and on-the-ground coordination were led by the Deputy Director for Administration and Technical Services, together with Ma. Katherine Laureano, whose efforts ensured smooth scheduling, high turnout, and effective engagement throughout the two days.

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What the Sessions Covered

Rather than a purely clinical lecture, the sessions were framed as practical, science-based conversations, focusing on:

  • What HPV is and how common it is

  • How HPV leads to cervical cancer and other diseases

  • The role of screening and early detection

  • HPV vaccination—who it is for, how it works, and why timing matters

By grounding the discussion in facts and real-life implications, participants were encouraged to see prevention as both a personal and shared responsibility.

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What Comes Next

A key takeaway from the sessions was the strong interest in HPV vaccination among employees. Discussions are now underway to support vaccination through the Gender and Development (GAD) Program, with March being eyed as a potential rollout period—signaling a shift from awareness to concrete preventive action.

A Workplace Model for Prevention

The DOST – ITDI HPV awareness sessions show how workplace-based education can become a powerful entry point for cancer prevention. When institutions invest in knowledge, they empower employees to protect not only themselves, but also their families and communities.

Informed choices begin with informed conversations—and over two days in January, DOST–ITDI took an important step in that direction.

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.

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