Navotas City officials and partners cut the ribbon to inaugurate the city’s new Molecular Laboratory, marking the official launch of the Citywide HPV DNA Screening Program. This milestone strengthens the city’s commitment to early detection, timely treatment, and the prevention of cervical cancer for all women in the community.
As it marks its 120th anniversary, Navotas City is turning celebration into action by bringing free, preventive, and life-saving HPV DNA screening directly to women across the city—strengthening early detection and treatment of cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among Filipino women.
The initiative was launched alongside the unveiling of the city’s new Molecular Laboratory, a facility equipped with fully automated, high-quality technology that meets international standards for detecting high-risk Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer. Anchored on the city’s development vision, “Navotas: Itaas ang antas ng buhay Navoteño,” the program empowers women to take charge of their health by making screening more accessible, accurate, and patient-friendly.
“Cervical cancer is preventable and treatable, yet many women still struggle to access proper screening and timely care,” said Dr. Manuel Mapue II of the Department of Health Metro Manila Center for Health Development. He noted that citywide HPV DNA testing allows earlier diagnosis and connects women to treatment options that are often out of reach of traditional Pap smear and VIA screening, particularly in underserved communities.
Cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among Filipino women aged 15 to 44, yet HPV testing rates nationwide remain critically low. Through the Centralized Laboratory Model for HPV DNA Screening, Navotas is addressing this gap by offering high-capacity testing closer to communities, including self-collection options that make screening more comfortable and less intimidating. The program also ensures referral and follow-through for treatment, positioning Navotas as a scalable model for cervical cancer prevention nationwide.
“In Navotas, every woman—regardless of income, background, or status—deserves access to reliable, life-saving care,” Mayor John Rey Tiangco said. He emphasized that the program reflects the city’s commitment to ensure that no Navoteña loses her life to a preventable disease, measuring success not in statistics alone, but in lives saved, families kept whole, and women given the chance to live longer, healthier lives.
The city’s 2026–2030 cervical cancer roadmap adopts a holistic approach that integrates testing, vaccination, and treatment, supported by a broad coalition of partners from government, healthcare institutions, and civil society. These include health offices across CAMANAVA, professional medical societies, hospitals, and development organizations working together to strengthen women’s health services on the ground.
Behind the data are real lives already changed by early detection and prevention. Navoteña health advocates shared personal stories of timely HPV screening and treatment, as well as proactive vaccination that protects the next generation from cervical cancer—demonstrating how coordinated care can alter life trajectories.
Navotas is also making concrete progress toward the World Health Organization 90-70-90 targets for cervical cancer elimination: vaccinating 90 percent of girls, screening 70 percent of women, and treating 90 percent of those who test positive. According to City Health Officer Dr. Eric David, Navotas has already screened nearly 85 percent of eligible women, treated more than 80 percent of HPV-positive cases, and steadily expanded vaccination coverage through its local health facilities.
Private-sector collaboration plays a key role in sustaining these gains. Roche Diagnostics Philippines is supporting the program through advanced HPV DNA testing technology now integrated into the city’s health system. Company representatives said the partnership helps translate global standards of care into concrete local action, strengthening early detection while reducing cervical cancer-related deaths.
With the introduction of fully automated, high-throughput diagnostic systems capable of accurate HPV DNA testing at scale, Navotas is also enhancing its broader disease detection capacity, supporting proactive and community-wide health management. The integration of this technology into local services bridges the gap between global medical standards and frontline public care.
By combining political will, advanced diagnostics, community engagement, and strong partnerships, Navotas is positioning itself at the forefront of cervical cancer elimination in the Philippines—demonstrating how decisive local action can transform women’s health outcomes.
Women are encouraged to take part in the citywide HPV DNA screening program and become part of a growing movement toward a future free from cervical cancer.