Women in Mandaue are being encouraged to undergo free cervical cancer screening, while parents are urged to have their eligible daughters vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) as the city expands its cancer prevention programs.
The Mandaue City Government has allocated P2 million to purchase additional HPV vaccines for girls aged 9 to 14, supplementing supplies provided through the Department of Health’s (DOH) National Immunization Program.
The school-based vaccination campaign began in the first week of November after health personnel conducted orientations in schools in late October. It prioritizes Grade 4 learners and eligible Grade 5 pupils who missed earlier vaccination opportunities.
City Health Officer II Dr. Debra Maria C. Catulong said five private schools had expressed interest in joining the campaign, along with public schools.
The City Health Office also plans to reach eligible girls who are not enrolled in school through their respective barangay health centers. Parents or guardians must provide informed consent before their children receive the vaccine.
Catulong acknowledged that the available vaccine supply might not cover all eligible learners, prompting the city to consider increasing its allocation next year.
Dr. Cyrus Cesar R. Tejam of the Society of Adolescent Medicine of the Philippines said HPV affects both men and women and can cause cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, mouth and throat.
While many HPV infections clear on their own, certain high-risk strains can cause changes in infected cells that may eventually develop into cancer.
“Once the virus goes to these areas of the body and infects a cell, the cell mutates. It changes its characteristics and multiplies,” Tejam said.
He estimated that eight out of 10 sexually active people may acquire HPV during their lifetime, underscoring the importance of vaccination before possible exposure to the virus.
Children aged 9 to 14 need two vaccine doses, while those aged 15 and above require three, he said.
Although the current government-funded vaccination program prioritizes girls aged 9 to 14 under existing DOH guidelines, Mandaue officials are open to eventually including boys.
City Councilor Raul Kevin F. Cabahug V, chairman of the City Council’s Committee on Health and Hospital Services, said the local government would consider providing additional funding for boys if national guidelines and vaccine supplies allow the expansion.
DOH Development Management Officer IV for Mandaue City Jane Michelle E. Raagas also emphasized the need to address misinformation that could discourage families from having their children vaccinated.
“Prevention begins with health literacy. We need to intensify information dissemination so that families understand the benefits of vaccination and eligible children receive the protection they need,” Raagas said.
Beyond vaccination, the City Health Office offers free Pap smear, HPV DNA testing and visual inspection with acetic acid to detect possible cervical abnormalities.
Catulong said Mandaue also operates a cancer navigation clinic that helps patients with positive screening results secure referrals to medical institutions and access available financial assistance.
The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. and Jhpiego support the screening initiative by providing free testing kits.
Catulong said the city hopes these combined interventions will eventually reduce cervical and other HPV-related cancer cases among women and men.
“We are also looking forward, pila ka years from now, baka mag-reduce na sad ang number of cases sa atoang mga kababayen-an o sa mga lalaki bahin sa kaso ng cervical cancer and HPV cancer,” she said.
(We are also looking forward to seeing a reduction in cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancer cases among women and men in the coming years.)
The programs were discussed during the media forum titled “From Commitment to Action: Mandaue City Strengthens Its Push for Cervical Cancer Elimination,” which gathered health officials, medical experts and local government representatives.
The city government, under Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” M. Ouano, has expressed support for expanding HPV vaccination and strengthening early detection services.
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