Mandaue Takes HPV Fight Beyond Public Schools, Eyes Protection for Boys too

Mandaue City is broadening its fight against cervical cancer by extending free human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to eligible girls in private schools, even as officials signal openness to eventually protecting boys as well.

The expanded effort builds on the city’s commitments during the 2025 Cebu Cervical Cancer Elimination Summit and complements the Department of Health’s National Immunization Program. With an additional P2 million allocated for HPV vaccines, Mandaue aims to reach more children beyond the public-school system, including those who missed earlier vaccination opportunities.

Reaching more children
The program prioritizes girls aged 9 to 14, particularly Grade 4 learners and eligible Grade 5 students who were not previously vaccinated. City health officials are also coordinating with private schools and exploring ways to reach out-of-school children.

Dr. Debra Maria C. Catulong, City Health Officer II, said the goal is to increase the number of children protected each year.

“Our goal is to reach more children every year, including those in private schools and those who may have missed vaccination opportunities. We want to ensure that more eligible girls can benefit from this protection,” Catulong said.

The city has begun coordination with private educational institutions, including exploratory meetings with five schools that expressed interest in participating. Daily monitoring and school coordination will help identify where additional vaccine supplies are needed, according to Dr. Mix Alegado, the National Immunization Program medical coordinator.

A local response to a growing threat
The expansion comes as cervical cancer cases in Central Visayas have climbed sharply, underscoring the urgency of prevention, screening, and early detection. Health authorities have repeatedly urged parents to have daughters vaccinated as early as age 9, when protection before potential HPV exposure is strongest.

Mandaue’s strategy also supports the World Health Organization’s global target of fully vaccinating 90% of girls against HPV by age 15 as part of the broader effort to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem.

Boys may be next
While the government-funded program currently focuses on girls, Mandaue officials said they are open to including boys in the future if national guidelines and vaccine supply allow.

City Councilor Raul Kevin F. Cabahug V said the local government is willing to allocate additional resources for boys’ vaccination. HPV can cause cancers beyond cervical cancer, including certain anal, genital, and throat cancers that affect both males and females.

“HPV does not choose gender. Vaccination is an early investment in protection, and giving it before possible exposure to the virus provides the greatest preventive benefit,” said Dr. Cyrus Cesar R. Tejam of the Society of Adolescent Medicine of the Philippines.

Beyond the vaccine
Mandaue is also strengthening services beyond immunization, including cervical cancer screening, HPV DNA testing, and patient assistance through its cancer navigation clinic. Officials said institutionalizing these services through local policies and sustained funding is essential to keeping prevention efforts alive beyond changes in administration.

“Our commitment is to make these programs sustainable. We want to ensure that cervical cancer prevention is not just a one-time initiative but a continuing service that protects future generations,” Cabahug said.

Fighting misinformation
Health officials also stressed the need to counter vaccine misinformation, which remains a barrier to higher immunization coverage. Jane Michelle E. Raagas, DOH Development Management Officer IV for Mandaue City, said prevention begins with health literacy and clearer communication with families.

“Prevention begins with health literacy. We need to intensify information dissemination so that families understand the benefits of vaccination and eligible children receive the protection they need,” Raagas said.

School-based immunization activities are underway from November to December. Parents are encouraged to coordinate with their children’s schools or local health centers for eligibility requirements, vaccination schedules, and consent procedures.

Through local investment, school partnerships, and sustained prevention services, Mandaue is positioning itself as a potential model for other local governments in Cebu and Central Visayas working to turn cervical cancer elimination commitments into real protection for children.