Cervical Cancer Prevention Programs in the Philippines

Discover cervical cancer prevention programs, free screenings, and HPV vaccination efforts across the Philippines from DOH, LGUs, and the private sectors.

May 29, 2025
Community Engagement, Company Corner, Insights & Updates

Cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern in the Philippines, ranking as the third most common cancer among women. Barriers such as high screening costs, centralized healthcare resources, and societal stigma continue to hinder early detection. But change is underway. In this article, we explore key government, non-government, and private sector efforts that are making cervical cancer prevention and treatment more accessible to Filipino women.

Republic Act 11215

A key instrument in dealing with cervical cancer and other such diseases in the Philippines is Republic Act 11215, or the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA).

Signed into law on February 14, 2019, the NICCA enables the adoption of effective programs and increased investments in cancer prevention and puts cancer treatment and care within reach of all Filipinos, especially the underprivileged.

Three key provisions of RA 11215 are the establishment of a framework for all cancer-related government activities under the National Integrated Cancer Control Program, the creation of the Philippine Cancer Center (PCC) to serve as the center of excellence for cancer care, research, and capacity development, and the establishment of the Cancer Treatment Fund to provide citizens with assistance in paying for medical care.

Government-Led Programs and Policies

The Department of Health (DOH) stepped up its cervical cancer prevention initiatives recently with the launch of several screening centers. The effort aims to screen women aged 30 to 65 years old in identified health facilities or health centers for cervical cancer.

The DOH also promotes HPV DNA testing. Some women may feel hesitant about undergoing the usual testing in health centers. The HPV DNA kit enables women to self-administer the test and submit the results to a laboratory, increasing privacy and, hopefully, early cervical cancer detection.

The DOH also conducted awareness campaigns in schools for students as early as 9 to 14 years, given that it is the ideal age for immunization against cervical cancer. Education programs are also done at the community level.

Last November 27, 2024, the PCC launched the National Cancer Research Agenda (NCRA) 2024-2028. The plan aims to improve cancer research, treatment, prevention, and early detection, strengthen healthcare, and provide better overall care that maximizes patient comfort.

The local government of Quezon City leads in cervical cancer prevention initiatives with the passage of SP-3361, S-2024 last December 2, 2024. It enables the Quezon City government to offer several support programs for addressing cervical cancer, including screening, awareness and education programs, a patient referral system, and HPV vaccination initiatives.

The month of May is Cervical Cancer Consciousness Month by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 368 of 2003. It directs the government to increase cervical cancer awareness and the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society to provide free Pap smears and acetic acid wash tests nationwide

Private and NGO Efforts in Cancer Prevention

Global biopharmaceutical company Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) leads and participates in various cervical cancer prevention projects and programs nationwide in partnership with national and local government units.

MSD took part in school- and community-based vaccination and education programs under the Department of Education (DepEd) and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). MSD also partnered with the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) to organize a forum on cervical cancer and hosted the 1st Philippine Cervical Cancer Elimination Summit: One Community Against HPV on May 16, 2024.

A consortium led by Expertise France, implemented by Jhpiego (formerly the Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics), and funded by Unitaid seeks to eliminate cervical cancer by detecting the disease early to slow or halt its progression through its SUCCESS (Scale-up Cervical Cancer Elimination with Secondary prevention Strategy) project.

The aim of the consortium is to transition the Philippines from a largely “opportunistic” cervical cancer detection model to one that is systemic. Chief among its initiatives is the use of self-detection kits and programs, which the project found out was the preferred method of screening among target populations.

A Unified Front Against Cervical Cancer

With strong collaboration across government agencies, local communities, and private organizations, the Philippines is making steady progress toward cervical cancer elimination. Accessible screening programs, targeted education, and policy-backed initiatives are empowering more women to take control of their health. If you or someone you know may be at risk, now is the time to seek screening or speak with a healthcare provider. Together, we can build a future free from cervical cancer.