QUEZON CITY, Philippines— From places of work to places of care, partners are bringing essential health services closer to where women live and work, recognizing their vital role in keeping communities and the economy running.
As the country observes National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month this May, stakeholders are intensifying efforts to promote early detection and prevention of cervical cancer through accessible, workplace-based services. Also known as Cervical Cancer Prevention Awareness Month, the campaign is officially observed in May under Presidential Proclamation No. 368, series of 2003. It aims to raise public awareness about cervical cancer, a largely preventable disease caused predominantly by the human papillomavirus (HPV), yet one that continues to claim the lives of an estimated 12 Filipino women every day. The campaign underscores the importance of regular screening for early detection and timely treatment.
In support of this, the Department of Health, Taguig City Health Office, UP Diliman Gender Office, Women Workers for Health Empowerment Network (WHEN), DOLE Bureau of Working Conditions, and Jhpiego are strengthening access to cervical cancer screening and treatment through the CLAMS 2 Project.
The CLAMS 2 Project (Expanded Centralized Laboratory Model for HPV DNA Screening) is a Jhpiego-led initiative in the Philippines aiming to eliminate cervical cancer by scaling up HPV DNA testing through a “hub-and-spoke” laboratory model, where central laboratories process samples collected from multiple community and facility-based sites. It also ensures that women who test positive are promptly linked to appropriate and timely treatment and care services.
Free cervical cancer screening using HPV DNA testing via self-collection will be offered on May 8, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at two locations, the UP Diliman Gender Office in Quezon City and the New Taguig City Hall on Cayetano Boulevard in Taguig City. Interested women may register in advance through the provided online links or QR codes.
“By bringing screening closer to places of work, we remove barriers that often prevent women from seeking care,” said Dr. Susana Amiscua,Taguig City Health Officer. “Early detection saves lives, and we encourage all eligible women to take advantage of these free services.”
The initiative introduces HPV DNA testing through self-collection, a modern, accurate, and convenient screening method that allows women to test themselves safely and privately, helping increase participation and early detection rates.
“This effort reflects our commitment to women workers, who often prioritize their jobs and families over their own health,” said Dr. Julie Caguiat, WHEN convenor. “Making services accessible in familiar spaces empowers women to take charge of their health without disrupting their daily responsibilities.”
At the University of the Philippines Diliman, the Gender Office emphasized the importance of inclusive and accessible health services within academic institutions and and their immediate community, highlighting the role of campuses in ensuring women can access critical health services and in promoting gender-transformative systems.
Jhpiego, a global health nonprofit affiliated with Johns Hopkins University, highlighted the role of innovation in accelerating cervical cancer elimination.
“HPV DNA self-collection is a game changer in expanding screening coverage, especially among underserved populations,” said Dr. Ingrid Magnata, Country Program Manager of Jhpiego Philippines. “Through partnerships like CLAMS 2, we are working to ensure that no woman is left behind in the fight against cervical cancer.”
The free screening is open to women aged 30 to 49 who are not pregnant, are not menstruating on the day of screening, have an intact cervix, meaning no history of full hysterectomy, and have not undergone cervical cancer screening, including VIA, Pap smear, or HPV test, in the past three years.
“Get screened early. Cervical cancer is preventable and treatable when detected on time, kayang iwasan, kayang agapan,” the organizers emphasized.
The initiative continues to expand beyond Quezon City and Taguig, with more cervical cancer screening activities set to roll out in other key cities such as Davao City and Cebu City, further increasing access to life-saving services for women across the country.
