THE Department of Health (DOH)—Ilocos Region together with the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (MMMHMC) joined the launching of the 3-day “Ligtas sa Cervical Cancer: Para sa Bawat Babae at Mag-Ina” program spearheaded by the Office of the Presidential Assistance for North Luzon and the Office of the Congressman Ferdinand Alexander Araneta Marcos from July 1-3, 2025 at the Laoag City Centennial Arena to protect school learners from human papilloma virus (HPV) infection that could lead to cervical cancer.
The initiative boosted Laoag City’s HPV immunization coverage among 9-14 years old with the objective of becoming the first city in the country to receive a 90% coverage. A total of 3,000 school learners will be given their first dose of HPV vaccine.
Among the other services included during the 3-day activity also were free cervical and breast cancer screening tests for aged 30 to 65.
Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco expressed gratitude to the organizers and partner agencies for their collaborative effort and unwavering commitment in ensuring the successful implementation of HPV vaccination program in the region.
She added that as of May 2025, there are 12,206 women who have undergone cervical cancer screening in the region with 630 tested as positive for cervical cancer.
“That is why we intensifying our efforts by vaccinating all female population starting from 9-14 year’s old and providing free cervical cancer screening to eliminate the cause of cervical cancer and safeguard their health,” she stated.
The program was conducted from July 1-3, 2025 in partnership with the Department of Education – Region 1 and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte.
The regional office provided technical assistance and expertise, HPV vaccines and mobilization of DOH Heath Human Resource.
Nationwide, only the municipality of Banna, in Ilocos Norte reached a 90% HPV vaccination rate on March 2024.
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