In celebration of National Women’s Month, the Gender and Development (GAD) Office of Biliran Province State University organized a one-day seminar on breast and cervical cancer awareness and prevention on March 12 at the BiPSU Hyflex Audio-Visual Center.

Attended by students, faculty members, and administrative staff, the seminar aimed to provide crucial health information, focusing on early detection, prevention, and empowering women with the knowledge and tools to safeguard their well-being.

In her opening message, Dr. Marriane B. Dagaylo-an, director of the GAD Office, underscored the significance of advocating for breast and cervical cancer awareness and its implications to the women in the university. 

“We are not just marking the Women's Month celebration; we are actively investing in the health and empowerment of women and everyone within our university,” the GAD director said. “Breast and cervical cancer are significant health challenges, but they are also areas where knowledge, awareness, and proactive steps can make a life-changing difference.”

According to the National Library of Medicine, breast and cervical cancer were the two most common cancers among Filipino women in terms of incidence in 2020. Advocating for awareness and prevention is crucial, as early detection and timely access to treatment can significantly improve survival rates, particularly in areas with limited healthcare resources.

Dr. Judy Dingcong-Huilar, an obstetrician-gynecologist from the Biliran Provincial Health Office, led the discussion with a talk titled “Babae, Maging Handa: Breast and Cervical Cancer Awareness and Prevention.” She emphasized the importance of routine check-ups, self-examinations, and vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV) to reduce cancer risks.

Meanwhile, Dr. Reggie N. Nierra, BiPSU’s supervising administrative officer for administration, shared her journey as a cancer survivor who was diagnosed with stage II-A breast cancer. “I choose to share my journey openly because I believe it is crucial for all of us to talk about cancer candidly,” she said.

She also encouraged the participants to help in fostering an environment of support and understanding. “Let us redefine what it means not just to survive but to live vibrantly and unapologetically, on our own terms,” she shared. “We can transform the narrative creating a community that thrives on support, understanding, and empowerment.”

This seminar marked the second event in BiPSU GAD Office’s month-long National Women’s Month celebration, which features a series of activities aimed at promoting gender equality and raising awareness on women’s health.

[This aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 5: Gender Equality]