Dr. Christia S. Padolina, City Administrator, delivers closing remarks at the launch of Navotas City’s first
Manila, Philippines (February 2, 2026) — Navotas City, in partnership with Roche Diagnostics Philippines, launches a citywide HPV DNA screening program to bring free, preventive and early-detection care closer to women.
The initiative supports the city’s 120th anniversary milestone while advancing Roche’s commitment to strengthening cervical cancer prevention through accessible, high-quality diagnostics.
The city officially unveiled its new Molecular Laboratory, equipped with high-quality, fully automated technology aligned with international standards to detect high-risk Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), the leading cause of cervical cancer. Guided by its mission, “Navotas: Itaas ang antas ng buhay Navoteño,” the city empowers women to take charge of their health through its HPV DNA screening program, providing early detection, timely treatment, and improved quality of life.
“Cervical cancer is preventable and treatable, yet many women still struggle to access proper screening and timely care,” Dr. Manuel Mapue II, Development Officer V, Department of Health Metro Manila Center for Health Development (DOH-MMCHD) said. “Through citywide HPV DNA testing, Navotas provides women with earlier diagnosis and ensures access to treatment and support, especially in areas beyond the reach of Pap smear and VIA screening.”
Cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among Filipino women aged 15 to 44, yet only 1% have undergone HPV testing, leaving millions unaware of their risk. Enabled by Roche’s advanced HPV DNA testing solutions and the Centralized Laboratory Model for HPV DNA Screening (CLAMS), Navotas brings high-capacity HPV DNA testing closer to communities, making screening easier and more comfortable with self-collection options. The program also connects women to timely treatment, offering a scalable model for nationwide cervical cancer prevention.
“In Navotas, every woman—regardless of income, background, or status—can access reliable, life-saving care.” said Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco, “As we celebrate our 120th anniversary, this program represents our promise that no Navoteña should lose her life to a preventable disease, with success defined by the lives saved, families kept whole, and women given the chance to live longer, healthier lives.”
The city’s 2026–2030 cervical cancer roadmap focuses on holistic care through testing, vaccination, and treatment, bringing together local government, healthcare institutions, and community partners.
Key stakeholders include the Department of Health Metro Manila Center for Health Development (DOH MMCHD), health offices of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela (CAMANAVA), Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS), Roche Diagnostics Philippines, MSD Philippines, Jhpiego, Food for the Hungry Philippines, Tondo Medical Center, Jose Reyes Memorial Center, and Navotas City Hospital.
Navoteña health advocates showcase the real impact of early detection and prevention. Arlyn Policarpio received timely HPV screening and treatment in Navotas, while Lorela Reyes protected her daughters from cervical cancer through HPV vaccination, demonstrating the life-saving value of the city’s coordinated care programs.
Navotas is advancing the WHO 90‑70‑90 targets—vaccinating 90% of girls, screening 70% of women, and providing timely treatment to 90% of those who test positive for HPV. As shared by Dr. Eric David, Navotas City Health Officer, the city has already vaccinated 33.11% of girls, screened 84.96% of women, and treated 82% of HPV-positive cases at local facilities, including Northbay Boulevard North Health Center, Bagong Lipunan Health Center, and Navotas City Hospital.
“Roche is proud to stand beside Navotas in advancing the WHO 90-70-90 goals to eliminate cervical cancer into local action. With our cobas® 5800 system, the city now has world-class HPV screening technology, bringing leading standards of care directly to the community,” said Marco Valencia Sanchez, Country Manager, Roche Diagnostics Philippines, “We support this initiative as part of our ongoing public health collaboration with Navotas City, with the goal of significantly reducing cervical cancer-related deaths.”
Through its partnership with Navotas City, Roche is helping strengthen cervical cancer prevention through early detection and timely intervention. The cobas® 5800 is a fully automated, high-throughput diagnostic system that performs accurate HPV DNA testing at scale, designed to support earlier detection of high-risk HPV to provide Navotas women the standards of care aligned with those used by leading healthcare institutions globally. Beyond HPV, it can also test for other diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis, making it a powerful tool for proactive, community-wide health management.
By integrating global diagnostic innovation into local public health systems, Roche continues to demonstrate its commitment to eliminating cervical cancer and strengthening community health outcomes across the Philippines.
Take charge of your health—get screened through Navotas’ citywide HPV DNA program and help build a future free from cervical cancer.
Philippine News Agency. 12 Filipino women die daily from cervical cancer: DOH. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1201188. Accessed January 15, 2026.
Philippine Institute for Development Studies. Only 1% of PH women screened for breast, cervical cancer. https://www.pids.gov.ph/details/news/in-the-news/only-1-of-ph-women-screened-for-breast-cervical-cancer. Accessed January 15, 2026.
