On December 12, 2025 the first-ever community roll-out of the Scale-Up Cervical Cancer Elimination through Secondary Strategies – Focusing on Asia Pacific (SUCCESS–FAP) program in the Philippines was successfully conducted in the municipality of Estancia, Iloilo, marking a historic milestone in the implementation of community-based cervical cancer screening in the country.
The initial roll-out was conducted in Barangay Manipulon, an island barangay of Estancia, which became the first barangay nationwide to be screened under the SUCCESS–FAP program. The barangay is accessible by boat, with a travel time of approximately 10–15 minutes, depending on sea conditions and boat speed. During this activity, twenty-four (24) women aged 30–49 years were successfully screened.
The community roll-out was attended by the Cancer Warriors Foundation, Inc. (CWFI) led by its CEO, Mrs. Carmen Auste, together with her staff, in coordination with the Estancia Municipal Health Officer (MHO) and Rural Health Unit (RHU) nurses and midwives. The screening activity was conducted at the Barangay Manipulon Gymnasium, with strong support from the Barangay Captain, barangay officials, and Barangay Health Workers (BHWs). The activity was carried out smoothly, reflecting effective coordination among all stakeholders. As a gesture of hospitality, the barangay prepared arroz caldo for all participants and members of the team.
Following the activity in Barangay Manipulon, the team proceeded to the second island barangay, Barangay Loguingot, which is located approximately 10–15 minutes by boat from the mainland, depending on sea conditions. Upon arrival, the team encountered low tide, which required them to walk through shallow waters to reach the island proper. Despite this challenge, the activity continued as planned.
In Barangay Loguingot, the barangay officials and BHWs also extended their full support by preparing arroz caldo and a simple lunch for the team. A total of forty-six (46) women aged 30–49 years were successfully screened. During the conduct of the activity, unexpected rainfall occurred; however, due to the island’s proximity to the mainland and the team’s preparedness, all personnel were able to return safely, with all kits and collected specimens properly secured and transported.
After several participants had completed the screening process, feedback was gathered from the women screened. Participants expressed a shared sentiment of gratitude for the SUCCESS–FAP program, stating that they were thankful for the opportunity and considered it a great privilege to be part of the first-ever community roll-out. Many emphasized their appreciation that the screening services were provided free of charge and conveyed their happiness that, among many municipalities, Estancia was chosen to pilot the program.
The successful conduct of the first-ever community roll-out under the SUCCESS–FAP program in Estancia demonstrated the feasibility of delivering cervical cancer screening services even in geographically isolated and disadvantaged island communities. This milestone activity highlighted strong multi-sectoral collaboration, community support, and effective application of training, setting a model for future SUCCESS–FAP roll-outs across the Philippines.
