ILOILO — Marking a major leap forward in women’s healthcare, the Cervical Cancer Elimination Project under the SUCCESS FAP (Scale Up Cervical Cancer Elimination through Secondary Strategy with Focus in Asia Pacific) was formally launched through a two-day Microplanning Session held on December 3 to 4 in this province.
Implemented across the municipalities of Carles, Estancia, and Lemery, the initiative seeks to significantly reduce the prevalence and mortality rates of cervical cancer — one of the most pressing health threats facing women in the province and across the country.
The Microplanning Session gathered a diverse roster of participants, including municipal health officers, nurse coordinators, members of the Sangguniang Bayan, punong barangays, barangay health workers, school representatives, and community stakeholders. Their collective participation ensured a comprehensive, community-centered approach to crafting a localized cervical cancer elimination plan.
Facilitators from the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO), in partnership with the Iloilo Provincial Department of Health Operations (PDOHO) and the Cancer Warriors Foundation, guided the sessions through focused lectures and workshops. These covered the current landscape of cervical cancer screening in the province, the importance of early detection, and strategies for effective health communication at the grassroots level.
Participants also received training on best practices to ensure the sustainable rollout of the program within their localities.
A key objective highlighted during the sessions was to reach at least 90% of eligible women in the target municipalities with cervical screening services. This ambitious target underscores the project’s commitment not only to boosting screening rates but also to strengthening women’s health literacy at the community level.
The project also seeks to establish streamlined referral pathways so that women requiring follow-up or advanced care can easily access appropriate services across various healthcare tiers.
A major milestone of the event was the ceremonial turnover of thermal ablation devices — modern equipment used to treat pre-cancerous lesions detected during screenings. These were formally received by Carles’ Mayor Arnold T. Betita II, Estancia’s Mayor Ma. Angelica Bianca B. Requinto-Espinosa, and Lemery’s Mayor Oscar C. Villegas Jr.
The deployment of these devices to local health centers equips municipal health teams with a vital tool for early intervention, substantially improving women’s chances of avoiding cervical cancer progression.
Community involvement emerged as a central theme throughout the discussions. Stakeholders explored strategies for mobilizing local resources, conducting community education activities, and creating supportive environments that encourage women to seek and complete necessary health services. Special attention was given to addressing barriers faced by women in rural and geographically isolated areas, where healthcare access remains limited.
The project also emphasizes rigorous monitoring and evaluation. Data-driven approaches will guide implementation, ensuring interventions remain responsive to the community’s needs. By integrating feedback from local stakeholders, the program aims to strengthen ownership and foster long-term commitment.
As the Microplanning Session concluded, participants expressed a renewed sense of determination to address cervical health disparities in their municipalities. Their collective enthusiasm reflects a strong community resolve to drive meaningful and lasting change.
Through the Cervical Cancer Elimination Project, the municipalities of Carles, Estancia, and Lemery are not only taking aggressive steps toward eliminating cervical cancer but are also championing a comprehensive, women-centered public health strategy that promises to uplift the lives of countless families across Iloilo./PN