ALARMED by the persistently low cervical cancer screening rate among women, the local government of Naga City has intensified its campaign to eliminate the disease through a multi-sectoral summit held on May 20.
Led by the City Health Office I in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) and MSD Philippines, the Cervical Cancer Elimination Summit 2026 gathered health officials, barangay health workers, punong barangays, stakeholders, and partners at the Summit Hotel to strengthen prevention strategies and expand access to essential services.
Data presented during the summit showed that less than two percent of eligible women in the city have undergone cervical cancer screening in recent years, prompting urgent action from the leadership of Mayor Leni Robredo and city health authorities.
To formalize commitments, participating agencies and stakeholders signed a pledge of commitment, reaffirming their support for intensified collaboration. The activity also featured a ceremonial vaccination of six young girls, symbolizing the city’s proactive approach to prevention.
In her advocacy statement, Mayor Leni Robredo said the city government’s initiative to vaccinate female children—and support immunization for women—is a “gift for a healthy and safe future,” emphasizing that vaccination helps ensure children grow up protected from diseases such as cervical cancer.
“Cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern in Naga City, particularly in communities with limited awareness, understanding, and access to healthcare services,” she said.
She added that cervical cancer is 100% preventable, noting that it can be avoided through Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and early screening.
However, data from 2020 to 2024 show that screening coverage in most districts remains critically low, with rates recorded at below two percent. In 2024, only 43% of eligible adolescents received their HPV vaccine dose. More concerning, coverage declined further in 2025 to 40%, instead of increasing.
Health authorities stressed that these figures indicate the city is still far from achieving the targets set by the World Health Organization (WHO), warning that complacency could undermine efforts to eliminate the disease.
Officials urged stronger action to improve vaccination uptake and expand screening coverage to protect women and girls from cervical cancer.
Delivering the keynote address, Health Undersecretary Glenn Matthew G. Baggao of the Department of Health (DOH) underscored the critical role of public health programs in protecting communities, particularly through preventive care.
“Public health interventions, especially vaccination and early screening, are vital in safeguarding the health and future of our communities,” Baggao said.
Central to the discussions were efforts to strengthen Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and significantly increase screening coverage—both considered key strategies in preventing cervical cancer.
The initiative aligns with Robredo’s 2028 Finish Lines and the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health concern through widespread vaccination, screening, and treatment.
City health officials emphasized that stronger coordination among government agencies, healthcare providers, and communities is essential to protect women’s health and reduce cervical cancer cases in the coming years. | via Jason Neola
