After a series of continuous in-house trainings on Peer Navigation and Patient Navigation, Cancer Warriors Foundation, Inc. (CWFI) organized a “Baranganic”—a community-based training held within the barangay itself. This initiative aimed to clearly communicate the program’s message, reinforce its core values, and strengthen the advocacy it promotes. By bringing the training directly to the communities, CWFI hoped to create a lasting impact within the barangays of the municipalities they collaborate with, while also demonstrating the importance and commitment placed in effectively implementing the program.
On February 12–14, 2026, CWFI, in partnership with Expertise France and Unitaid, and with the support of the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (PHO) and the Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH WV CHD), conducted a three-day training for selected community influencers—individuals who are not elected leaders but hold significant influence within their communities, including those with lived experiences related to cancer—and Barangay Health Workers.
With the theme “Building a Supportive Community: Together Against Cancer,” the training aimed to strengthen their capacity as Peer Navigators by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to effectively provide guidance, support, education, and emotional encouragement within the community—helping reduce mental barriers related to cervical screening.
The training was hosted by Barangay Sincua with the support of Barangay Captain Joemar Dela Cruz. It was held at Sky Port Farm, Sincua, Lemery, Iloilo, owned by Mr. Shiruld G. De Los Santos and Mrs. Chona V. De Los Santos, who generously supported the event in furtherance of the cause. The training was attended by participants from four barangays in Lemery, namely Sincua, Almeñana, Pacuan, and Agpipili.
Day 1 focused on orienting the trainees on the program, including the history of CWFI and an introduction to the SUCCES-FAP Project. The sessions were then extended to cover cancer in general, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), cervical cancer, as well as common myths and facts surrounding the disease. Interactive activities were also conducted to help participants get to know one another and foster a warm, collaborative learning environment.
Day 2 focused on developing strategies on how to effectively engage and reach the barangays, including the creation of a stakeholders mapping plan. The purpose of the training was further emphasized by clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the participants in implementing the program within their respective communities. Participants with lived experiences—whether their own or those of their friends or family members—also shared personal cancer journeys with the group, highlighting how individuals diagnosed with cancer cope with the condition, as well as how their families and support systems navigate the challenges that come with it. Activities were conducted to reflect on the knowledge gained from the ongoing training, including discussions on common questions, misconceptions, and statements often heard in the barangay regarding cancer.
Day 3 focused on the presentation of the strategies developed by the participants, particularly on how they can effectively reach women aged 30–49 and encourage them to undergo HPV DNA screening within their respective barangays. The sessions highlighted their role as Peer Navigators in disseminating accurate information, addressing common misconceptions, and promoting awareness on the importance of early detection and regular cervical screening. Emphasis was also placed on providing emotional support and encouragement to help reduce mental and social barriers such as fear, anxiety, hesitation, and stigma that often discourage women from seeking screening and preventive care, through empathetic communication and peer support.
The training concluded with a mini capping ceremony attended by Dr. Helen Grace R. Palmejar, recognizing the participants who successfully completed the three-day training. CWFI also acknowledged the invaluable assistance of the Barangay Officers of Sincua, the support extended by other barangays to the event, and the Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) who actively contributed throughout the training.
The “Baranganic” training successfully empowered community influencers and Barangay Health Workers in Lemery, Iloilo, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to raise awareness and promote cervical cancer prevention.