THE Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Barangay Pinagbuhatan has made history with the launch of Pasig City’s first-ever youth-led city-wide immunization program against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) at Pinagbuhatan Elementary School. The initiative, titled “Kabataan Para Sa HPV-Free Pasig City,” represents a significant milestone in public health. The program began with the vaccination of around 300 girls aged 9 to 14 and aims to benefit up to 3,000 students by the end of the year.
This event is notable as the first youth-led School-Based Immunization (SBI) and community vaccination program in the National Capital Region (NCR), showcasing the vital role of young leaders in advancing public health. The SK of Pinagbuhatan has collaborated with the Pasig Local Government Unit (LGU), the Department of Health (DoH), and the Department of Education (DepEd), forming a coalition dedicated to enhancing the health of the city’s youth.
Representatives who pledged their commitment during the Kalasag Ceremony are (from left) Dr. Jaya Ebuen, development management officer at the DoH NCRO, Joseph Panaligan, MD, MHA, Pasig City health officer; Hon. Victor Sotto, Pasig City mayor; Andres Riedel, president and managing director, MSD in the Philippines; Victor Javena, chief education supervisor of the SGOD, DepEd Division Office in Pasig City; Keith Gumban, Pinagbuhatan SK councilor and committee for health chairperson. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto officially launched the program, emphasizing the importance of collaboration for its success. In addition to the school vaccinations, the program has secured 9,780 doses of the HPV vaccine for LGU workers, broadening the initiative’s impact.
Four health centers across Pasig are participating in the vaccination drive, which aims to immunize schoolchildren and provide reproductive health services citywide. This youth-led initiative aligns with the national healthcare program “Sa Aking Paglaki, Walang HPV,” led by the DoH and DepEd, and seeks to democratize access to life-saving HPV vaccines.
Keith Gumban, SK councilor and committee for health chairperson, highlighted the program’s importance for a safer and healthier future. Victor Javena, chief education supervisor of the DepEd Division Office in Pasig City, reaffirmed the department’s commitment to supporting health programs in schools to guide parents and children in preventing cervical cancer. Dr. Jaya Ebuen, development management officer at the DoH NCRO, stressed that cervical cancer is preventable through vaccination, underscoring the importance of this initiative.
Cervical cancer remains a major health challenge in the Philippines, with at least 12 women dying daily from the disease. It is the second most common cancer among women aged 15 to 44. Despite these alarming statistics, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, with HPV vaccination and regular cervical screening offering the best protection.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has set ambitious global targets to eliminate cervical cancer. These include vaccinating 90 percent of girls with the HPV vaccine by age 15, screening 70 percent of women by ages 35 and 45, and ensuring that 90 percent of women diagnosed with pre-cancer or invasive cancer receive necessary treatment.
This vaccination launch precedes the official start of School-Based Immunization programs for the school year, set to resume in October.
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