As part of its ongoing campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer, the ‘Ating Dibdibin Goes to U: University Caravan’ visited Taguig City University on December 9 to “educate” students and staff about the disease and provide free health services.
Around 500 students and school staff benefitted from the initiative.
During the event, Executive Assistant for Health and breast cancer survivor Dr. Cecille Montales addressed common myths about breast cancer and answered questions from the audience. To highlight the importance of early detection, participants were taught proper breast self-examination techniques through infographics and a live demonstration using a silicone breast model.
Mayor Lani Cayetano emphasized the program’s accessibility:
“I’m here to show my full support for the Ating Dibdibin Program. I’m happy that our team came directly to you to inform you about breast cancer and offer free health services, rather than having you go elsewhere.”
Participants at the event took advantage of free breast screenings, and over 300 individuals received free flu vaccines.
Launched in 2012 in partnership with the ICanServe Foundation, the Ating Dibdibin program is a community-based initiative focused on the early detection and treatment of breast cancer. It has been institutionalized through local ordinances and includes a patient navigation system, which has become a model for other local government units.
The program was recently recognized as one of the 10 winners of the prestigious Galing Pook Awards 2024, standing out among 147 entries from 111 local governments across the country.