By Ralph Fajardo Sto. Tomas City Mayor Arth Jhun A. Marasigan leads the city’s localized Cervical Cancer Elimination (CCE) Plan under the pr...
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| Sto. Tomas City Mayor Arth Jhun A. Marasigan leads the city’s 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. |
SANTO TOMAS CITY, Batangas - 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.
Sto. Tomas: A Model for Local Action
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.”
National Momentum for HPV Immunization
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. The DOH’s 2025 budget includes increased funding allocation for HPV vaccines, signaling progress in addressing preventable cancers.
Still, the country’s coverage remains below WHO’s 90% target, with many girls over 15 left outside the DOH’s designated group. This reality underscores the importance of LGU complementation.
“We welcome the renewed prioritization of HPV vaccination at the national level. But even with these investments, local governments must continue bridging critical gaps. I call on my fellow mayors and governors: let us step up together. With national and local governments working hand in hand, we can meet the WHO 90-70-90 goals for the Philippines. We also hope that our initiative the, DOH central office would increase its assistance to us as an LGU especially with this health priority of ours.” Mayor Marasigan added.
The WHO strategy calls for 90% of girls fully vaccinated with HPV vaccine by age 15, 70% of women screened at least twice in their lifetime, and 90% of women with pre-cancer or cancer receiving treatment.
Sto. Tomas’ experience shows how LGU-led investments can sustain momentum toward cervical cancer elimination despite challenges. With DOH leadership, increased national funding, and stronger LGU initiatives, the Philippines can protect the next generation and move closer to eliminating cervical cancer by 2030.
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