MANILA, PHILIPPINES — City Savings Bank is committed to helping the education community not only through its simple and straightforward banking services but by also advocating for health and well-being. In partnership with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. – Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center (RAFI – EJACC), CitySavings brought Project Pink to Carcar, a city located in southern Cebu, to spread more awareness on breast cancer and conduct a free medical mission to more than 600 teaching and non-teaching personnel of the Department of Education (DepEd).
The two-day session featured up-to-date information about breast cancer and a free breast check-up and pap smear screening conducted by the Bank’s partner, RAFI – EJACC, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing healthcare services to underserved communities.
RAFI – EJACC medical oncologist Dr. Amabelle Trina Gerona talked about the latest advancements in cancer detection and treatment as well as risk factors and prevention measures. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women but early detection is key for a successful treatment.
To broaden our attendees’ knowledge about women’s health, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center resident doctors Dr. Ivy Nasayao – Latido and Dr. Althea Cabacaba shared their expertise on cervical cancer. Dr. Latido shared effective primary and secondary prevention approaches available such as human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines and examination for and treating precancerous lesions. Dr. Cabacaba on the other hand highlighted that cervical cancer screening and family planning are important to fight against maternal and infant morbidity and mortality, and death among women.
A testament of strength and hope, DepEd Carcar Senior Education Program Specialist Dr. Juana Dicdiquin talked about her journey and becoming a cancer survivor. “I encourage my fellow teachers to undergo screening, and for those fighting cancer have courage and face it head-on. Learn to prioritize, love, and take care of yourselves,” she added.
“My gratitude goes to CitySavings and RAFI – EJACC for their dedication and help extended to our teachers. Let us continue to look after our health,” said DepEd Carcar Public Schools District Supervisor Dr. Maritoni Genumbaga Baldespinosa.
CitySavings Regional Business Head for Central Visayas Ryan Bascug shared an inspirational message as he closed the session, “There is more to pink than just a color. For us at CitySavings, pink is nurturing life, recognizing the challenges and battles, and appreciating that despite the circumstances, we share support systems and programs for everyone’s health and well-being.”
