Laoag poised to achieve WHO standard 90% HPV vax coverage

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LAOAG City is set to become the first in the country to reach the global health standard of 90 percent HPV vaccination coverage among girls aged nine to 14, a key step in eliminating cervical cancer.

PREVENTION IN ACTION A three-day HPV vaccination campaign at Laoag City’s Centennial Arena promoted cervical cancer prevention for mothers and daughters, under the theme “Ligtas sa Cervical Cancer: Para sa Bawat Babae at Mag-ina.” PHOTO FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENTIAL ASSISTANT FOR NORTHERN LUZON

This month, the city’s health department recorded 2,413 schoolgirls vaccinated against HPV, translating to a 90.58 percent vaccination rate — now up for validation by regional health officials.

“Napakaimportante ng pagpapabakuna laban sa HPV para ma-prevent natin ang cervical cancer,” said DOH Assistant Secretary Farwa Hombre. “Bago sila ma-expose sa HPV, magandang maagapan gamit ang bakunang ito.”

This milestone supports the World Health Organization’s (WHO) strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat. Laoag’s campaign is organized by the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon, the Department of Health (DOH), and key partners.

The city also expanded outreach to adult women, providing breast cancer screening to 1,157 women and cervical cancer screening to 625.

The progress aligns Laoag with the WHO’s 90-70-90 strategy: 90 percent of girls vaccinated by age 15, 70 percent of women screened by age 35 and 45, and 90 percent of diagnosed women receiving appropriate treatment.

Accelerating fight against HPV

Laoag’s push for HPV vaccination sets an inspiring example of how local leadership and community action can advance national health goals.

To boost participation, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, through Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, provided transportation assistance to families bringing eligible girls for vaccination, helping break financial barriers.

HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, one of the top cancer-related killers among Filipino women. Experts say increasing vaccination coverage is the most effective first step to eliminating the disease.

Health officials, schools, and social welfare teams working together

Pamela Domingsil and Jinky Natividad, mothers who came to support their daughters, underwent screenings themselves after learning the services were free and accessible.

Women needing treatment after cervical screening were referred to Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (MMMHMC).

Dr. Adolavni Magpily, OB-GYN at MMMHMC, stressed the importance of education: “Cervical cancer is very preventable and treatable if screened and detected early. Education must go hand in hand with health interventions.”

“This laudable program aims to free our kababaihan from cancer and ensure a healthy future,” said DepEd Laoag Schools Division Superintendent Joan Corpuz. “It protects our female learners and ultimately contributes to building a healthy nation.”

LGUs, DOH, and National Government addressing women’s cancer

Last year, the DOH announced that all nine-year-old girls can receive the HPV vaccine for free in 2025, following government funding approval.

Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon Asec. Ana Remigio said, “Our president believes that quality health services must reach even the farthest barangay. This is more than a medical activity; it’s a testament to compassion, collaboration, and a collective commitment to protect our women and girls.”

PREVENTION IN ACTION A three-day HPV vaccination campaign at Laoag City’s Centennial Arena promoted cervical cancer prevention for mothers and daughters, under the theme “Ligtas sa Cervical Cancer: Para sa Bawat Babae at Mag-ina.” PHOTO FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENTIAL ASSISTANT FOR NORTHERN LUZON

The current administration emphasizes cancer prevention among women, especially preventable ones like cervical cancer through vaccination and screening, and breast cancer through early detection and treatment, strategies that are far more cost-effective than managing advanced disease or the toll of premature cancer-related deaths.

Ilocos Norte accelerates vaccination

Following Laoag City’s feat, mobile vaccination teams are scheduled to visit schools and remote barangays across different municipalities in Ilocos Norte.

The initiative reflects the Marcos administration’s push to make health services more inclusive and accessible, even in the farthest communities.

“The health and well-being of Ilocanos has always been our top priority,” said Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos. “We remain committed to working closely with the national government under the administration of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and our local health units to ensure that vital activities like this continue and reach every Ilokano in need. Early detection and prevention save lives.”