Around 1,000 participants gathered before dawn on May 25, 2025, at Parqal Mall in ASEANA City, Parañaque, to take part in the “Run Against Cervical Cancer” (RACC). Organized by MSD Philippines and the Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), the advocacy event brought together individuals from all walks of life—families, cancer survivors, medical professionals, and health advocates—to champion awareness and prevention efforts for cervical cancer.
With Cervical Cancer Awareness Month celebrated every May, the run underscored the urgent need to talk about this disease, which continues to impact thousands of Filipinas annually. As teal-shirted runners took to the streets, they carried with them the message that cervical cancer is both preventable and treatable, especially with timely action.
Fit to Fight: The Power of Movement
Participants chose between 3km and 5km routes, with over 700 completing the longer course. Many had personal reasons for running, including stories of loss, survival, and advocacy.
Among them was Lorely Magalona, who finished first among the women in the 5km category. She dedicated her run to her mother, who passed away from cervical cancer in 2019. “My mom was a very active woman. We didn’t know she was sick—until it was too late,” she shared. Now 40, Lorely runs 10km daily, six times a week, and has even completed an 80km ultramarathon. “You benefit from exercise in more ways than one. We all want to live longer and healthier lives,” she said.
The run also featured senior athletes who showed that age is no barrier to fitness or advocacy. Rosalinda Ogsimer, 78, began running at 65 and now outpaces even her own children. Patricio Punzalan, 67, started running in 2009 and has completed ultramarathons up to 50km. “A neighbor of mine was diagnosed with cervical cancer. That’s why I joined—to raise awareness and show support,” he said.
Regular exercise, studies show, not only reduces the risk of cervical cancer but also improves the quality of life for cancer survivors. Just 30 minutes of aerobic activity per week can make a meaningful difference in a woman’s health, especially when combined with regular screening.
Understanding the Risk: Prevention and Early Detection
Cervical cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting Filipino women. According to data, 7,897 new cases are diagnosed annually, and 4,052 women die each year—equivalent to 12 Filipinas lost every day to a largely preventable disease.
The primary cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Vaccination against HPV, especially among girls aged 9 to 14, significantly reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer later in life. However, vaccination coverage in the country remains low, hindered by misinformation, limited access, and lack of awareness.
RACC provided a timely platform to amplify the World Health Organization’s 90-70-90 goals for eliminating cervical cancer by 2030: 90% of girls fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15; 70% of women screened with high-performance tests by 35 and again by 45; and 90% of women diagnosed with cervical disease receive timely treatment.
Charm de Leon, a well-known content creator, took the stage to encourage women to take charge of their health. “Growing up, I didn’t know I needed the HPV vaccine. I had to unlearn so many things,” she said. “If you’re waiting for a sign, this is it. Get screened, research the HPV vaccine, and follow credible voices in health. Share your story—because by doing that, you help others too.”
Stories of Courage and Solidarity
Beyond the statistics are the human stories that put a face to the advocacy. Former national football player and coach Belay Fernando-Dela Cruz is a survivor of Stage 3B cervical cancer. She likened the run to her cancer journey: at times solitary, at times supported, but always demanding perseverance. “Sometimes you’re running alone, sometimes with others. But what matters is showing up and staying the course,” she shared.
Belay strongly advocates for making HPV vaccination routine for both girls and boys, noting that boys can be carriers and are also at risk for HPV-related diseases. “Let’s normalize the HPV vaccine for all. Children aged 9 to 15—boys and girls—should have access,” she emphasized.
Another powerful voice was media personality Andi Manzano, whose mother was diagnosed with early-stage cervical cancer. “It’s scary when someone you love is diagnosed—it changes your perspective,” she said. “As parents, we have the power to protect our children. Getting the vaccine is a step toward lifelong protection.”
From Individual Action to Collective Impact
Teodoro “Ted” Padilla, Executive Director of PHAP, highlighted that the event goes beyond completing a race—it’s about creating a movement. “Our journey started in schools, but it must go further. We want households and communities to be equally informed and protected,” he said.
The run also served to spotlight local government efforts. Quezon City District 1 Councilor Charm Ferrer, a Stage 3C cervical cancer survivor, shared her own advocacy after undergoing 36 rounds of radiation, 4 brachytherapy sessions, and 6 chemotherapy treatments. “Hindi mo deserve ang cervical cancer,” she declared. “This disease can be fought—and it starts with awareness and access.”
Ferrer called on other LGUs to replicate Quezon City’s Comprehensive Cervical Cancer Elimination Ordinance (SP-3361, S-2024), which expands access to HPV vaccines and screening services. Her message was simple but urgent: “Itong cervical cancer, kaya naman itong labanan e (Cervical cancer can be fought).”
A Unified Call for Elimination
MSD Philippines President and Managing Director Andreas Riedel closed the event with a powerful reminder: “Cervical cancer is preventable. The solutions are here—vaccination, screening, and treatment. What we need now is action.”
He acknowledged the contributions of national and local government units, civil society groups, medical organizations, and community champions. “Together, we can build a future where cervical cancer no longer threatens the lives of Filipino women.”
