AIA Philippines and The Medical City (TMC), in partnership with ABS-CBN Foundation and the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, provided free breast cancer screening to 100 public school teachers through the Hope Mobi Clinic program.
The initiative, held during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, aims to make preventive breast health services more accessible by addressing common barriers such as screening costs, travel time, and limited access to healthcare facilities. The partnership was also formalized through the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), reinforcing the organizations’ shared commitment to expanding access to breast health services in local communities.
Through the mobile clinic, participating teachers received breast cancer screening in a convenient clinical setting, along with guidance on breast health and the importance of early consultation. The Medical City also provided free blood typing, blood pressure checks, and blood sugar testing, while the local government unit distributed grocery packages to participants.
Expanding access to preventive healthcare
Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the Philippines. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s Global Cancer Observatory, the country recorded an estimated more than 28,000 new breast cancer cases in 2024, accounting for 32% of all new cancer cases among Filipino women. The report also estimated 11,160 breast cancer deaths that year.
Early detection is important because breast cancer may not cause obvious symptoms during its early stages. The World Health Organization has noted that limited access to early detection and timely diagnosis can contribute to cases being identified at more advanced stages, when treatment may be more complex.
“Teachers dedicate themselves to caring for others, inspiring potential, shaping character, and helping build the future through every life they touch. We want to help educators take care of their own health by making preventive breast cancer screening more accessible and encouraging them to take action early with confidence and courage,” said Melita Teo, president and CEO of AIA Philippines.
Teo added that the initiative supports the company’s purpose of helping people live “Healthier, Longer, Better Lives” by encouraging women to prioritize their well-being.
Levi Grace Ambon-Rota, head of the ABS-CBN Foundation’s Bantay Bata program, said the collaboration reflects the importance of investing in community well-being and supporting women educators who help shape future generations.
Strengthening community health partnerships
For AIA Philippines, the initiative builds on its Rethink Healthy campaign, which promotes a holistic approach to well-being encompassing physical health, mental well-being, financial security, and a sense of purpose.
“Early detection can change a patient’s health journey. Through Hope Mobi Clinic, we bring screening closer to communities so more women can take an important step toward protecting their health,” said Dr. Carlo Angelo Cajucom, director of The Medical City’s Augusto P. Sarmiento Cancer Institute.
Merlita Ynciong, senior education program specialist at the DepEd Schools Division of San Jose del Monte, welcomed the collaboration, noting that preventive healthcare and health education can help teachers protect their well-being while continuing to support their students.
Launched in 2023, the Hope Mobi Clinic program brings breast cancer screening services closer to underserved communities through a mobile clinical setup. It also provides guidance on breast health and follow-up care when needed.
Through the collaboration, AIA Philippines, The Medical City, ABS-CBN Foundation, and DepEd are working to expand access to preventive healthcare for women educators and strengthen community-based health initiatives.
