ARTIST’S CORNER

CREATIVITY isn’t always limited to a single platform. Some artists prefer working on various pieces, whether it be visual or literary. When properly unleashed and fostered, a person’s creativity knows no bounds.

In the meantime, beginner artists can still embrace their passion for creation as they explore the crevices of their minds for inspiration that allows them to translate their thoughts and emotions into something tangible.

Afterward, a panel discussion was held on cancer-free the next day. Among the panelists are Dr. Cecilia Llave, Chairman of the Cervical Cancer Prevention Network (CECAP); Ms. Donna Miranda Awareness and Demand Generation Officer for Jhpiego Philippines; and Dr. Jesus Randy “Bogs” Rivera, founder of CerviQ, a social enterprise. For the final segment of the interactive talk show, they discussed what communities are doing to prevent and eliminate cervical cancer. The panelists are composed of Mayor Mary Chrislyn Abadilla of Banna, Ilocos Norte; Ms. Karen Villanueva, President of the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO), and Dr. Elmer Bondoc, Vice President for Programs and Development of Philippine Nurses Association, Inc.

After the talk show, 11 cervical cancer survivors walked on the runway to show that women can outlive and beat cancer with appropriate healthcare systems and interventions. 11 is significant because it represents the number of women dying from this dangerous disease.

Beatriz McLelland, Miss Eco Teen Philippines 2022 and staunch cervical cancer awareness advocate, led the signing of the petition to end cervical cancer.

Teal all over the country

During the event, selected landmarks and hospitals nationwide participated in the lighting ceremony and bled teal to support eliminating cervical cancer.

Some of Manila’s known landmarks, such as the Rizal Monument, Manila Clock Tower, Kartilya ng Katipunan, and Rajah Sulayman Park, are lit in teal. The Quezon Memorial Circle also participated in light of the Quezon City government.

Aside from the lighting teal all over the country, there was also an art gallery catering to artworks from 12 local female artists, and a photo exhibit displayed images from seven female photographers who supported cervical cancer advocacy. Teal is the color for cervical cancer awareness and advocacy. In color psychology, teal regulates and heals emotions, creating emotional balance and stability. As such, wearing a teal ribbon symbolizes healing over the disease beyond signaling cervical cancer advocacy.

In the end, MSD Philippines calls out to everyone to encourage their wife, mother, daughter, sister, or friend to get vaccinated, screened, and diagnosed early for cervical cancer.

Truly, prevention is still better than cure.

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Yssa Marie Racho, a senior high school student from Carcar, Cebu, recently tapped into her creativity to produce pieces that reflect her daily struggles with growing up and coming into her own as an individual.

“My poetry and art always reflect my genuine self. Although I understand there’s much for me to learn, there’s no better time to start than now. I get inspiration from different kinds of authors, mostly from Lang Leav and Michael Faudet,” she said.

THE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) provides coverage for cervical cancer screening through the Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (Konsulta) primary care package and cervical cancer treatment through the Z Benefits. Since 2015, benefit claims for cervical cancer filed under the Z Benefits amount to P31 million.

“We are glad that your PhilHealth has been able to extend medical care benefits to those women suffering from this dreaded disease. Indeed, the state health insurer is always looking into the welfare of its members and always doing its best to provide financial risk protection whenever and wherever Filipinos need quality health care,” Acting PhilHealth President and CEO Emmanuel R. Ledesma, Jr. said.

Each year in the Philippines, 7,897 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 4,052 fatalities. Cervical cancer ranks second in cancers among women in the Philippines and the second most common cancer in women between the ages of 15 and 44 (DOH, May 2023). Warning signs of cervical cancer show abnormal bleeding or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, bleeding after sexual intercourse, persistent back, leg, or pelvic pain, and unexplainable weight loss.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends screening for cervical cancer from 30 years of age in the general population of women or earlier for sexually active

PhilHealth has been able to extend medical care benefits to women diagnosed with cervical cancer