COMMUNITY-BASED BREAST CANCER CONTROL PROGRAM LAUNCHED IN BAGUIO CITY

May 31, 2025 Metro BLISTT

BAGUIO CITY

“Ating Dibdibin,” a free breast cancer screening and treatment program was launched on Wednesday, May 28 at the Baguio City Hall.
The program is a community-based breast cancer control program implemented by the City Government of Baguio in partnership with the non-profit organization ICanServe Foundation Inc. It aims to make life-saving services accessible to women, especially those from
underserved communities, and to boost breast cancer awareness and promote early detection. Women may avail of the free clinical breast examinations and related services at any of the city’s health centers.

Those found with possible symptoms will be referred to partner hospitals for further testing and treatment at no cost. Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Kara Magsanok-Alikpala, ICanServe founding president, alongside with Marivic Bugasto, president of Minda’s Buddies and ICanServe’s Cordillera coordinator led the activity. Mayor Magalong expressed full support, calling the initiative a “strong declaration of
commitment” to saving lives. “We, at ICanServe Foundation, shine the spotlight on the importance of breast cancer in Ating dibdibin,” said Magsanoc-Alikpala.

Meanwhile, PhilHealth Vice President for CAR, Dr. Dominga Gadgad, announced that the agency has significantly increased its breast
cancer coverage from P100K to 1.4 million pesos in the region. “With this package, we aim to reduce out-of-pocket expenses, ease the burden of patients and families, and encourage women to see care earlier when outcomes can be most favorable,” she said.
One of the most moving moments came from breast cancer survivor Yen Humiwat, who shared how the “Ating Dibdibin” program guided her from a stage four diagnosis in 2023 to a hopeful future. “Thanks to this program, I wasn’t alone. Every step of the way, there was someone helping me to figure out the next steps,” she said.

Noel Celeste/UC-Intern