AFTER a series of breast cancer awareness campaigns dubbed “Project Pink,” City Savings Bank Inc. (CitySavings) held an actual health service for teachers through a medical mission on May 23, 2019.
The activity was held at the San Francisco Central School-Special Education Center in Camotes Island, Cebu.
Close to 100 teachers from San Francisco and Poro towns availed themselves of the free breast examination and pap smear.
The medical mission was initiated in partnership with Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.– Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center (Rafi–EJACC) and volunteer midwives from the Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines-Cebu Midwife Clinic Inc. (IMAP-CMCI).
CitySavings’ business head for Central Visayas Ryan Bascug said the activity was a response to the attendees’ request for a medical checkup in their schools.
Bascug said they decided that the beneficiaries be from far-flung places because the chances of getting a breast examination and pap smear in their areas do not come easily.
The medical mission allowed the teachers to get checked by medical professionals without the hassle of traveling far and spending their own hard-earned money.
“It was free, convenient and they were done by friendly midwives,” said teacher Marianila Barral of Camotes National High School.
According to Rafi–EJACC program officer Gina Mariquit, the tests cost thousands of pesos.
“If not given for free, these examinations would cost a teacher more than P1,000, particularly if done in private hospitals or clinics,” she said.
Conducted annually by CitySavings, Project Pink has been raising awareness to over 2,000 teaching and non-teaching personnel of the Department of Education since 2017.
When asked why she volunteered, midwife Lorgen Miralles of San Francisco’s Rural Health Unit said: “This is a good opportunity to promote awareness on cervical and breast cancer among women, and to extend our help.”
IMAP–CMCI is the only accredited professional organization of midwives, both public and private. It is a member of the International Confederation of Midwives.
The group’s mission is to elevate the standards of the midwife profession and to provide excellent health care and services to women, family and the community.
CitySavings and its partners will conduct more medical missions in the future.