The initiative highlights the urgent need for early detection in a country where access to preventive healthcare remains a persistent challenge for many women. Beyond conducting active screenings, the partners signed a ceremonial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize their shared commitment to expanding community-based breast healthcare.
Addressing a Pressing Health Crisis in the Philippines
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Filipino women. Data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s Global Cancer Observatory estimated over 28,000 new cases in the country in 2024 alone—accounting for 32% of all new cancer diagnoses among Filipino women—alongside an estimated 11,160 deaths.
Because early-stage breast cancer often develops without visible symptoms, regular screening is crucial. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that limited access to early detection leads to delayed diagnoses, making medical treatment significantly more complex and costly.
"Teachers dedicate themselves to caring for others, inspiring potential, shaping character, and helping build the future through every life they touch. We want to help educators take care of their own health by making preventive breast cancer screening more accessible," said Melita Teo, President and CEO of AIA Philippines.
Overcoming Barriers to Healthcare
The Hope Mobi Clinic directly tackles common obstacles to preventive health services, such as high costs, long travel times, and inadequate local medical infrastructure.
Along with mobile mammography and clinical breast evaluations, the 100 participating educators received:
- Comprehensive baseline tests: Free blood typing, blood pressure monitoring, and blood sugar checks provided by TMC.
- Essential support: Grocery packages distributed by the local government unit (LGU).
- Patient education: Guidance on self-examination routines and clear referral pathways for follow-up care.
"Early detection can change a patient’s health journey," emphasized Dr. Carlo Angelo Cajucom, Director of the Augusto P. Sarmiento Cancer Institute at The Medical City. "Through Hope Mobi Clinic, we bring screening closer to communities so more women can take an important step toward protecting their health."
Cross-Sector Collaboration for Sustainable Impact
Active since 2023, the partnership between AIA Philippines and TMC demonstrates the strength of multi-sector alliances in driving preventive care to underserved populations.
Representatives from civic and educational bodies echoed the sentiment:
- Levi Grace Ambon-Rota, Head of ABS-CBN Foundation’s Bantay Bata program, noted: "Empowering communities begins with caring for the people who help shape them every day. Working alongside our partners allows us to further invest in community well-being."
- Merlita Ynciong, Senior Education Program Specialist at DepEd Division of San Jose del Monte, added: "Through health education and preventive care initiatives like this, we help empower educators to take charge of their health so they can continue inspiring and nurturing students who contribute to the nation’s future."
The effort aligns with AIA’s broader "Rethink Healthy" movement, encouraging Filipinos to take proactive control over physical health, mental well-being, financial security, and personal purpose.
Notes:
(1) Hong Kong SAR refers to the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region.
(2) Macau SAR refers to the Macau Special Administrative Region.
