USJ-R SSC Commission on Public Health

28/02/2026

𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗛 🎗️

This month, we shine a light on 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 — the second most common cancer among Filipino women.

Cervical cancer is primarily caused by persistent 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗿𝘂𝘀 (𝗛𝗣𝗩) infection and leads to around 12 deaths daily in the Philippines. Many women may experience symptoms such as 𝗮𝗯𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝘃𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 and 𝗽𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗻, but in its early stages, it may not show noticeable signs.

Why does it remain a serious concern? Limited access to 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 and 𝗛𝗣𝗩 𝘃𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 programs continues to contribute to its prevalence. Early detection through regular screening and protection through HPV vaccination can significantly reduce the risk and save lives.

Let’s empower women with knowledge, promote prevention, and support accessible healthcare for all. 💙

Source – World Health Organization

25/02/2026

𝗥𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗯𝗲, 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹, 𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗲—𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗼 𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗱 💜

Early detection makes all the difference. Newborn screening, regular check-ups, and knowing your family history can lead to timely diagnosis and better care.

This National Rare Disease Week, let’s raise awareness and support inclusive healthcare for every family.

Para sa Pamilya, Rare Disease Tuklasin nang Maaga! 🔎

Ang mga rare disease ay maaaring hindi pangkaraniwan, ngunit ang maagang pagtuklas ay maaaring magdulot ng malaking pagbabago sa buhay.

Nagsisimula ang maagang diagnosis sa atin.

✔️ Newborn Screening – tumutulong upang matukoy ang ilang rare disease bago pa man lumabas ang mga sintomas.
✔️ Regular na check-up – nagbibigay-daan upang maagap na mapansin ang kakaiba o paulit-ulit na sintomas.
✔️ Pag-alam sa family health history – mahalaga upang masuri ang posibleng panganib at maibigay ang tamang gabay ng health provider.

Maraming rare disease ang nakaaapekto sa mga bata, at ang pagkaantala sa diagnosis ay maaaring magdulot ng seryosong komplikasyon. Sa pagiging mulat at maagap, mas mabibigyan ng tamang gamutan, referral, at suporta ang mga pasyente at kanilang pamilya.

Higit pa sa kaalaman, kailangan natin ng pagkilos.

💜 (More Opportunities) Mas maraming oportunidad para sa maagang diagnosis at access sa serbisyong pangkalusugan.
💜 (More Action) Mas maraming aksyon sa pagsusulong ng screening, konsultasyon, at tamang referral.
💜 (More Hope) Mas maraming pag-asa para sa bawat bata at pamilyang apektado ng rare disease.

Ang maagang pagtuklas ay nakapagliligtas ng buhay. Sama-sama nating gawing mas nakikita at mas naaaksyunan ang usapin ng rare diseases.

21/02/2026

𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆🫀

Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. In the Philippines alone, 85,868 deaths from heart disease were recorded from January to October 2024, accounting for nearly 1 in every 5 deaths nationwide.

Behind these numbers is a reminder: 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱.

The good news is that many cardiovascular conditions are preventable through early awareness and consistent healthy habits like staying active, choosing balanced meals, managing stress, and regularly monitoring your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

In celebration of 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵, the Commission on Public Health successfully held its 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗵 on February 18, 2026. Through a quick and engaging game, participants received free 𝗩𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻 𝗕 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅 and 𝗩𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻 𝗖 to help support heart health and overall wellness. As an added bonus, toothbrushes and toothpaste were also given to further promote healthy daily practices.

𝘓𝘦𝘵’𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘥, 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴— 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘥𝘢𝘺. ❤️

21/02/2026

𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗛 🎗️

This February, we’re shining a light on different types of cancer to raise awareness, promote prevention, and encourage early detection.

Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide and is a growing concern among Filipino men and women. Despite advances in treatment, many cases are diagnosed at later stages, making awareness and screening more important than ever.

Why is it so common? Major risk factors include 𝗰𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲 𝘀𝗺𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗺𝗼𝗸𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲, 𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗻 𝗴𝗮𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝘀. Quitting smoking, avoiding harmful exposures, and undergoing recommended screening for high-risk individuals can significantly lower the risk or detect the disease early when it is most treatable.

Let’s work together to reduce the burden of lung cancer. Protect your lungs. Protect your life. 💙

Source – World Health Organization

20/02/2026

𝙋𝙖𝙙𝙙𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙥𝙪𝙧𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙚. 🚣🏻‍♀️

Founded in 2017, the Cebu Pink Paddlers Dragonboat Team is the Philippines’ first 𝗮𝗹𝗹-𝗳𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗼𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀.

They paddle not just to compete, but 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘴𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘮 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘯𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱. Their team stands as proof that strength grows in community.

If you’re a survivor looking for sisterhood, or someone who wants to advocate for women’s health, 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝘂𝗹!

🔗 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1TiRdGDTMiIuXGf3PJiM2cme3n6QIrt23pFZD8Dqmy6E/viewform?edit_requested=true

19/02/2026

𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚, 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗚, 𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 🌷

Yesterday, February 18, 2026, COPH, in collaboration with the Commission on Gender and Development (COGAD), gathered the Josenian community at the AVR, USJ-R Main Campus for our 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘂𝗺.

Dr. Trizian Keanah D. Manalili broke down complex medical information into clear, practical points—making breast cancer risk factors, screening, and early detection easier to understand and less intimidating. She emphasized that awareness is most powerful when it leads to routine self-checks, clinical screenings, and informed decisions for us and our loved ones despite the stigma.

We then heard from Ms. Ann Marie F. Chan, whose testimony reflected the realities behind the diagnosis—the fear, the physical and emotional struggles, and the long process of healing. More than that, she spoke about finding strength in hope and in community, reminding us that no one should go through it alone.

Together with Cebu Pink Paddlers, a team composed of breast cancer survivors and advocates, we were reminded of the resilience of women who choose to move forward, paddle forward, and live fully beyond diagnosis. They've truly showed us the importance of solidarity, especially in creating safe spaces for women’s health conversations.

May this not end as a one-day event. Let it translate into regular self-exams, scheduled screenings, open discussions, and active support for the women in our lives—and for ourselves.

𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙙. 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙙. 𝙏𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧. 💗

| Photo Courtesy: USJ-R SSC Public Information Office and Cebu Pink Paddlers

18/02/2026

HAPPENING NOW | Flow Check: Talk it out with COGAD

The USJ-R SSC Commision on Gender and Development and Commission on Public Health are officially conducting "Flow Check: Talk it out with COGAD" a symposium centered on Breast Cancer Awareness. Come join us now at the USJ-R Main Campus AVR for a series of insightful talks!

17/02/2026

𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙖 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚. 🎀

The Commission on Public Health, in collaboration with the Commission on Gender and Development, warmly invites you to attend the 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘂𝗺 on 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟭𝟴, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 at 𝟴:𝟬𝟬 𝗔𝗠 to 𝟭𝟮:𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗠 at the 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼-𝘃𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗺 of 𝗨𝗦𝗝-𝗥 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀.

We are honored to feature 𝗗𝗿. 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗞𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗵 𝗗. 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗹𝗶, 𝗥𝗣𝗵, 𝗠𝗗 as our resource speaker, who will guide us through essential conversations on early detection, prevention, and informed health decisions. Alongside her, we will hear a powerful testimonial from 𝗠𝘀. 𝗔𝗻𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲 𝗙. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻, a breast cancer survivor, whose story reminds us why awareness and early action truly matter.

In partnership with the 𝗖𝗲𝗯𝘂 𝗣𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗣𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀, a pioneer breast cancer survivor dragon boat team in the Philippines founded in 2017, this symposium stands as proof that there is life beyond diagnosis. Composed of breast cancer survivors and advocates, CPP continues to champion early detection and hope through strength and solidarity.

𝘽𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙩. 𝘽𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙙. 𝘽𝙚 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙚.
We hope to see you there. 💗

17/02/2026

𝘼𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙪𝙨. 🎀

With one day to go, the Commission on Public Health, in collaboration with the Commission on Gender and Development, brings our student community together to champion early detection, open conversations, and stronger support for those affected by breast cancer at the 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘂𝗺 on 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟭𝟴, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, from 𝟴:𝟬𝟬 𝗔𝗠 𝘁𝗼 𝟭𝟮:𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗠 at the 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼-𝘃𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗺, 𝗨𝗦𝗝-𝗥 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀.

𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.

16/02/2026

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩?🍦

Scoop up the fun at 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽 𝗦𝗻𝗮𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗼𝗽 as CoPH brings you cool treats at the 𝗨𝗦𝗝-𝗥 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝟭𝟭 from 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟭𝟳–𝟭𝟵!

Grab your favorite 𝗰𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 for only ₱𝟭𝟬 & ₱𝟮𝟬 and taste a little slice of paradise in every scoop.

𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘭𝘨𝘦, 𝘤𝘰𝘰𝘭 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘩 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘶𝘴. 𝘚𝘦𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦! ☀️

16/02/2026

𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗛 🎗️

This February, we continue shedding light on different types of cancer to raise awareness, encourage prevention, and promote early detection.

Liver cancer is the 6th most common cancer worldwide and the 3rd leading cause of cancer-related deaths, making it a serious global health concern.

Why is it so prevalent here? Several factors increase the risk, including 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗵𝗼𝗹, 𝗰𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗵𝗲𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗼𝗯𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆, and 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗻𝘀. Prevention through vaccination against hepatitis B, early testing and treatment for hepatitis, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and limiting alcohol intake can significantly reduce the risk.

Let's spread awareness and reduce its impact, keeping in mind that our well-being is a priority and a right. 💙

Sources – World Health Organization, National Cancer Institute

16/02/2026

Flow Check: Let’s Talk It Out with COGAD

In collaboration with the Commission on Gender and Development and the Commission on Public Health, this meaningful initiative creates a safe and empowering space where conversations lead to awareness, healing, and action. “Flow Check” is more than just a program it is a movement that brings together students, advocates, and professionals to stand united for health, dignity, and protection.

Through a Breast Cancer Awareness testimony and an open discussion on Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC), we aim to educate minds, amplify voices, and inspire courage. Each talk, story, and shared experience reminds us that early detection saves lives, speaking up breaks cycles of abuse, and collective support builds stronger communities.

Let us come together to listen, learn, and lead change. Because when we talk it out, we lift each other up and when we stand together, we create a safer, healthier future for every women and children.