Santo Tomas City in Batangas has taken bold steps in its cervical cancer prevention program by investing in immunization of adolescent girls both in private and public schools with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) 4-valent vaccine. This is in support of the Department of Health’s (DOH) National Immunization Program for cervical cancer prevention. The initiative under the leadership of Sto. Tomas City Mayor Arth Jhun A. Marasigan, underscores the vital role of local governments in achieving the World Health Organization’s (WHO) target to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.
Despite the long delay in the delivery of HPV vaccines supply from the DOH, to sustain vaccination efforts, leading LGUs like Sto. Tomas City are stepping up by allocating local funds to procure 4-Valent HPV Vaccines to ensure the continuity of the DOH’s national HPV immunization program.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Filipino women, yet it is largely preventable through HPV vaccination and screening; and highly manageable with timely treatment.
In 2024, Sto. Tomas completed the catch-up vaccination of around 1,800 14-year-old school girls from public and private who missed their dose of the 4-valent HPV Vaccine initiated by the DOH, as part of its localized Cervical Cancer Elimination (CCE) Plan under the program SHEmpre Ligtas–Student Health Education, implemented by the Health Education and Promotion Unit (HEPU) of Sto. Tomas.
With this milestone achieved, the city has now moved into the next phase, targeting to vaccinate another batch of around 1800 school girls with the 4-Valent HPV Vaccine. This plan runs until 2030, ensuring protection for every adolescent girl in Sto. Tomas.
Mayor Marasigan emphasized that the initiative complements the DOH’s current program in place, which covers public school girls aged 9 to 14 years old.
“Cervical cancer elimination is a shared responsibility. While the Department of Health leads through the National Immunization Program, LGUs like Sto. Tomas must do our part to ensure no girl is left behind. By investing in HPV vaccination, we are securing the future of our daughters and our community,” he said.
“Our commitment is long-term. We will continue vaccinating adolescent girls until 2030. This is not just a health program; it is a legacy we want to leave for future generations: a city free from cervical cancer.”
The health program of Sto. Tomas is very aligned with the State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted HPV vaccination as a government priority, noting dedicated funds to protect Filipinos from HPV-related cancers.
