SANTO TOMAS CITY, BATANGAS — As the country pushes to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030, Santo Tomas City in Batangas is stepping up with a proactive approach to protecting young women’s health.
Through strong local leadership, the city government has launched a sustained Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive targeting adolescent girls—both in public and private schools—using the 4-valent HPV vaccine. This effort directly supports the Department of Health’s (DOH) National Immunization Program and aligns with global health targets set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Mayor Arth Jhun A. Marasigan emphasized the importance of local action: “Cervical cancer elimination is a shared responsibility. While the DOH leads nationally, we in local government must make sure no girl is left behind. By investing in HPV vaccination, we’re securing the future of our daughters—and our communities.”
Catch-Up and Long-Term Plans
In 2024, the city successfully completed a catch-up vaccination campaign for around 1,800 14-year-old girls who missed their scheduled doses. The program, part of Santo Tomas’ localized Cervical Cancer Elimination (CCE) Plan, runs under the “SHEmpre Ligtas” health education initiative led by the city’s Health Education and Promotion Unit (HEPU).
The next phase aims to vaccinate another 1,800 girls by 2030, ensuring consistent protection for future generations. Importantly, this local funding initiative bridges a critical gap, especially as national vaccine supply delays have impacted rollout in other areas.
Aligning With National Goals
The effort mirrors priorities outlined by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who named HPV vaccination as a government focus in his latest State of the Nation Address (SONA). The DOH has also proposed increased funding for HPV vaccines in its 2025 budget.
Still, vaccination coverage remains below WHO’s 90% target for girls aged 15 and under. Many young women outside the target age or in private schools remain at risk.
“Even with increased national funding, LGUs must help close the gap,” Mayor Marasigan said. “We encourage other cities and provinces to step up. Together, we can meet the WHO’s 90-70-90 goals and protect our next generation.”
The Bigger Picture
Cervical cancer is currently the second most common cancer among Filipino women, but it is highly preventable through early vaccination and regular screening. The WHO’s 2030 goals aim for:
- 90% of girls vaccinated against HPV by age 15
- 70% of women screened at least twice in their lifetime
- 90% of those with pre-cancer or cancer receiving appropriate care
Santo Tomas City’s strategy shows how local solutions can drive national progress—proving that when communities take action, real change becomes possible.| – TheMetroTimes.ph
