Naga intensifies campaign against cervical cancer

By Jason B. Neola

ALARMED by the very 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 Summit Hotel to strengthen prevention strategies and expand access to 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 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 that the initiative by the city government and its partner agencies to vaccinate female children, including adult women, is a gift for a healthy and safe future of women, especially children, that is because vaccination is a way to ensure that our children grow up with healthy bodies and are safe from any disease, especially cervical cancer,” she said.

“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 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 the 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.

Health 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 global goal of the World Health Organization (WHO) to eliminate 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.

SIX young girls bravely receive the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine during the ceremonial vaccination marking the Cervical Cancer Elimination Summit on May 20, 2026, sending a clear message that immunization is safe and remains the best protection against cervical cancer. Photo by Winson Escolano/CMO-LGU Naga.

TAPUSON TA NA! Stakeholders pose for a photo during the Cervical Cancer Elimination Summit, underscoring a strengthened, multi-sectoral drive against the disease. Photo shows, from left to right: Dr. Ronaldo T. Amoranto, Naga LGU’s City Health Officer; Dr. Rosa Maria Rempillo, OIC Director IV DOH Center for Health Development-Bicol; DOH Undersecretary Glenn Mathew G. Baggao; Mayor Leni Robredo, Dr. Grace B. Lao, Reg’l Director POGS Bicol, and Dr. Joanne G. Sebastian, Medical Officer III DepEd SDO Naga. Tapuson Ta Na! – meaning “Let’s put an end to cervical cancer” – serves as the battle cry of the unified campaign.