Sto. Tomas City in Batangas is stepping up the fight against cervical cancer, launching a bold initiative that reinforces the Department of Health’s (DOH) national program and aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global goal of eliminating the disease by 2030.
Under the leadership of Mayor Arth Jhun A. Marasigan, the city is rolling out a localized Cervical Cancer Elimination (CCE) Plan through the SHEmpre Ligtas – Student Health Education program, implemented by the Health Education and Promotion Unit (HEPU) of Sto. Tomas.
At the heart of the program is the immunization of adolescent girls, both in private and public schools, with the 4-valent Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
HPV is a leading cause of cervical cancer, the second most common cancer among Filipino women. Yet experts emphasize that the disease is highly preventable with timely vaccination and screening, and highly manageable with early treatment.
For Sto. Tomas, investing in HPV vaccination is more than a health program — it’s a long-term commitment to protecting its young citizens.
Local action filling national gaps
Through the SHEmpre Ligtas – Student Health Education (SHE) program, Sto. Tomas, Batangas empowers young girls with knowledge as part of its localized Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan.
The rollout in Sto. Tomas comes at a time when delays in vaccine deliveries from the DOH have threatened continuity of the national HPV immunization program.
To sustain momentum, Sto. Tomas has allocated local funds to procure additional 4-valent HPV vaccines — an approach that highlights the vital role of LGUs in bridging gaps when national supply chains falter.
In 2024, Sto. Tomas successfully completed catch-up vaccinations for around 1,800 14-year-old schoolgirls who missed their DOH-scheduled doses. Building on that milestone, the city has now moved into the next phase, targeting another 1,800 adolescent girls for vaccination. The program runs until 2030, ensuring consistent coverage for future cohorts of students.
Mayor Marasigan stressed that the city’s action complements national efforts rather than replaces them.
“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.
He added: “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.”
Aligning with national and global goals
As part of the SHEmpre Ligtas – Student Health Education (SHE) program, Sto. Tomas, Batangas brings HPV vaccination closer to students — a vital step in the city’s Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan.
The program also echoes priorities laid out in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address, where HPV vaccination was highlighted as a key government priority. The DOH’s 2025 budget includes increased funding allocation for HPV vaccines, signaling renewed momentum in the fight against HPV-related cancers.
However, despite progress, the Philippines still lags behind the WHO’s “90-70-90” targets: 90% of girls fully vaccinated by age 15, 70% of women screened at least twice in their lifetime, and 90% of women with pre-cancer or cancer receiving treatment. Current coverage remains below the 90% benchmark, leaving many older adolescent girls unprotected.
Mayor Marasigan issued a strong call to action for his fellow local leaders: “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.”
Sto. Tomas, Batangas as a model for other LGUs
Public health experts note that Sto. Tomas’ approach illustrates how LGU-led action can sustain and even accelerate national programs, particularly when challenges arise. By investing local funds, prioritizing adolescent health, and coordinating with schools, Sto. Tomas is emerging as a model of how grassroots action can contribute to global health goals.
The localized CCE Plan not only delivers vaccines but also empowers students through health education.
Through SHEmpre Ligtas – Student Health Education, Sto. Tomas equips young girls with knowledge about HPV, cervical cancer, and the importance of early prevention — a vital complement to immunization.
HPV vaccination: Toward a cervical cancer-free future
For Sto. Tomas, the HPV vaccination drive is more than an isolated project; it’s part of a long-term vision. The city is proving that even with limited resources, decisive action from local governments can make a tangible difference in public health outcomes.
As the Philippines works toward the WHO’s cervical cancer elimination goals, Sto. Tomas stands as a reminder that local leadership matters. With strong national direction, increased funding, and continued LGU support, the country can protect the next generation and move closer to a future free of cervical cancer.
