Our People

Call on our industry partners to join the fight against Cervical Cancer

July 9, 2024

In the Philippines, every two hours, a Filipina dies from cervical cancer. It is the second most frequent cancer among Filipino women and girls, particularly those in the prime of their lives (from 15 to 44 years of age). Every day, an estimated 12 Filipinas die from this disease, with more than 4,000 lives lost, yearly.¹ Each devastating death of a mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend is an unnecessary loss. Unnecessary, because the knowledge and tools to prevent and even eliminate cervical cancer are available. Cervical cancer is preventable, through vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus behind 99.7% of Cervical Cancer². Screening and early detection greatly improves the chances of successful treatment and can save lives.

The health care industry, and the business community at large, role in giving women- who hold “half-the-sky” in the workplace and in our communities– a stronger shield against this preventable disease.

As a company that puts patients at the center of everything we do, MSD is committed to our role in the fight against cervical cancer—using the power of leading-edge science to bring innovation in cancer care, from prevention to treatment.

Moreover, as part of One Community Against Cervical Cancer, we have strengthened our strategic collaboration with leaders from the government, the medical community, the private sector, and patient groups to advance cervical cancer elimination in the Philippines. Working with a community of advocates, our efforts are focused on ensuring access—to information, life-saving vaccines and medicines, and diagnostics and care—for every person at risk of cervical cancer.

A shared commitment: public-private partnerships

The Philippines is one of 194 countries that in 2020 committed to the World Health Organization’s 90-70-90 Global Strategy to eliminate cervical cancer,³ based on three pillars and their corresponding targets: vaccinating 90% of girls with the HPV vaccine by the age of 15; screening 70% of women using a high-performance test by the age of 35, and again by the age of 45; and treating 90% of women with pre-cancer and 90% of women with invasive cancer.

Gynecologic cancers, such as cancer of the cervix, are included among the eight cancer types that the Department of Health (DOH) has prioritized. The National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA or Republic Act 11215), signed into law on 14 February 2019, also allows for a comprehensive cancer control program and a Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF), aimed toward reducing incidence and mortality rates from preventable cancers, making cancer care and treatment more affordable and accessible, and supporting cancer survivors in their recovery and reintegration to society.

We support and share in the government’s aims, and have advocated for the earliest interventions, such as re-doubling efforts at prevention, long before there is a need for treatment. MSD participates in the national immunization drive spearheaded by the DOH, with the assistance of the Department of Education (for school-based inoculation against HPV) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (for community-based inoculation against HPV). To protect women and children, we have supported capacity-building efforts for local government unit (LGU
)-led immunization programs across the Philippines including Banna in Ilocos Norte, the first municipality in the Philippines to achieve a 91.16% vaccination rate of girls aged 9 to 14 years. This unprecedented achievement by a fourth-class municipality is proof positive that the national goal to achieve the 90-70-90 targets is indeed possible.

MSD in the Philippines is working with both public and private partners to advocate for prioritization and proper implementation of the national cancer control program, towards a cervical cancer-free Philippines. Most recently, MSD partnered with the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) to organize the forum, “Together for Health: Making a United Stand Against Cervical Cancer,” on 5 April 2024, gathering champions to share survivors’ stories, raise awareness, and call for concrete and effective action.

In time for Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, MSD also hosted the 1^st Philippine Cervical Cancer Elimination Summit: One Community Against HPV on 16 May 2024, gathering stakeholders—among them the United Action Against Cervical Cancer Taskforce Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, the Philippine Society of Pharmacist Vaccinators, Philippine Foundation for Vaccination, patient advocacy groups, and LGUs—to pledge their commitments and contributions to achieving the 90-70-90 targets.

This was followed by the cervical cancer awareness event, “Cervical Cancer: Di mo DeCerv” on 26 May 2024, bringing together medical organizations, patient communities, and healthcare companies to amplify the advocacy. No one deserves to suffer from cervical cancer, and they shouldn’t—we can help not just those at risk of contracting cervical cancer, the women and girls, but also those who can transmit HPV which leads to cervical cancer, and that includes the male population.

Walk the talk: start in your own workplace

It is heartening to see that the lead government agencies are advocating HPV vaccination and, as of May, HPV DNA testing as well, kickstarting screening services within their own workforce.⁴ What about private sector leadership?

Private companies in the Philippines play a significant role in addressing the burden of cervical cancer, by spreading awareness, promoting vaccination, and soliciting support for the campaign against HPV and cervical cancer, starting with our own employees

Anchored on the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Labor Advisory No. 20, “Guidelines on the Implementation of the Workplace Policy and Program on Cancer Prevention and Control in the Private Sector,” which was released on 15 September 2023, developing a Cancer Prevention and Control in the Workplace Policy and Program (workplace CPCPP) institutionalizes safety nets for employees in terms of health education and prevention; access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment; and return to work, compensation, and other social policies. Adopting a well-crafted workplace CPCPP will help promote a safe and healthy lifestyle among employees, and reinforce good habits through the conduct of awareness campaigns.

In our company, we prioritize addressing health risks by ensuring that our own MSD employees, and by extension, their dependents, can avail of life-saving vaccines. To date, we have protected hundreds of employees and their dependents, from HPV, pneumococcal infections, shingles and influenza. The cancer-preventive HPV vaccine is especially critical for female employees at risk of contracting cervical cancer, including those in their 30s and 40s, among the most productive years at work.

At MSD, we are dedicated to supporting people living and working with cancer. We support and have initiated cancer awareness campaigns that not only help destigmatize cancer but also encourage flexible accommodations benefiting cancer patients and survivors in the workplace. We take our cues from the head office, an accredited CEO Cancer Gold Standard employer, and a founding member of the Working with Cancer pledge, to help provide a more open, supportive and recovery-forward culture at work. Actively listening to our colleagues who are cancer patients, and understanding their needs, will further refine polices that allow them to feel more secure at work, such that they do not need to worry about their jobs on top of worrying for their lives.

The road to cervical cancer elimination in the Philippines

Eliminating cervical cancer in the Philippines- through the 90-70-90 strategy requires concerted and accelerated commitment and action from all sectors, and we in the business community continue to play a more active role in its realization- as many of those impacted are women in the workplace. By getting involved in public dialogue, awareness and education drives, and implementation efforts led by the Department of Health, medical societies, industry organizations and patient groups, we can better support, and give Filipinas, hope for a cervical-cancer free future.

Health Awareness

Survivors, medical organizations empowered against cervical cancer at ‘Di Mo DeCerv event

June 7, 2024

More Filipinos need knowledge about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer.

Cancer survivor and former athlete and coach Belay De la Cruz-Fernandez said as much during her talk at a recent cervical cancer awareness event, titled “Cervical Cancer: Di mo DeCerv.”

“I recalled seeing billboards by the Department of Health from before, saying “magpabakuna laban sa HPV.” We didn’t know what HPV was, but the information was out there! If I had understood it then, maybe things would have been different. While I’m still grateful to be able to talk about my experience, let’s remember that 12 Filipinas die from cervical cancer every day,” Belay said, emphasizing further that this matter needs to be prioritized.

Belay was one of the panelists at this milestone event that brought together medical organizations, patient communities, and the public in a shared mission to combat cervical cancer in the Philippines.

Celebrity and influencer Andi Manzano-Reyes, another panelist, discussed how her advocacy to raise awareness around cervical cancer was inspired by her mother, a survivor herself. “My mom was diagnosed with cervical cancer ten years ago, which is why I became an advocate to encourage people to get vaccinated,” she said. Andi, a mother to three daughters, expressed that she making sure that her children get immunized against HPV-related diseases, too.

In line with this, the ‘Di Mo DeCerv event also spotlighted the availability of HPV vaccines in local pharmacies to promote better access to immunization against HPV-related diseases. This development opens up new avenues for individuals to get preventive care in familiar community settings.

“With pharmacies serving as accessible hubs for healthcare services, individuals can now easily incorporate HPV vaccination into their routine visits. We are removing potential barriers such as transportation issues or scheduling constraints,” said Makati Medical Center Pharmacy Services Department Head Hazel Docuyanan.

The event also saw the support of medical organization partners including Maxicare, Makati Medical Center, Mercury Drug, Life Saver, Hello Doctor, SouthStar Drug, Juan Medical, Travertine, CerviQ, Vaxcen, Kindred, JCI, and ZP Therapeutics, who all helped promote public health awareness and broad access to HPV vaccination and education.

Dr. Mary Anne Galang-Escalona, Country Medical Lead, MSD in the Philippines

Biopharmaceutical company MSD in the Philippines, who spearheaded the event, shared that they will continue their ongoing initiatives to support vaccination drives, improve access to screening services, and launch public education campaigns aimed at reducing the incidence of cervical cancer.

These efforts are in line with the World Health Organization’s 90-70-90 initiative to eliminate cervical cancer: where 90% of girls are fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by the age of 15; 70% of women are screened using a high-performance test by the age of 35, and again by the age of 45; and 90% of women with pre-cancer are treated and 90% of women with invasive cancer managed.

Awareness and action events like ‘Di Mo DeCerv continue to urge Filipinos to become advocates for positive change within their communities, and to continue the fight against cervical cancer for a healthy Philippines.

Health Awareness

Race Against Time: Stakeholders Calls for Accelerated Efforts to Eliminate Cervical Cancer in the Philippines

June 7, 2024

We Must Act Now. That’s the resounding call of stakeholders at the 1st Philippine Cervical Cancer Elimination Summit, titled “One Community Against HPV,” to address the urgent need for accelerated efforts to achieve a cervical cancer-free Philippines.

Cervical cancer elimination in the Philippines is indeed possible if the country can meet its 90-70-90 targets based on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global strategy. This goal rests on three key pillars: vaccinating 90% of girls with the HPV vaccine by age 15, screening 70% of women with high-performance tests by ages 35-45, and treating 90% of women with pre-cancer and invasive cancer.

Unfortunately, the Philippines is severely lagging behind these targets, with only 4% of the target cohort having received their first dose of the HPV vaccine and a mere 1% of the country’s population completing the recommended doses.

“Based on mathematical models, the Philippines is set to achieve cervical cancer elimination between 2071 and 2098,” said Ms. Frances Ngo of the UP National Institutes of Health (NIH). “This model will not work if we are going to maintain our status quo; we need to be on track of our 90-70-90 targets if we’re going to eliminate cervical cancer within this century.”

Lives behind numbers

Ms. Frances Ngo from UP-NIH with co-panelists Dr. John Wong from EpiMetrics and Ms. Eden Lucero, cancer survivor discussing the NIH’s mathematical metrics guide for Cervical Cancer Elimination

Experts at the summit emphasized that meeting these targets is crucial to reducing cervical cancer incidence to less than 4 per 100,000 women, which is the threshold for elimination. They stressed that urgent action is needed, as cervical cancer remains a significant public health threat in the Philippines, claiming 12 lives daily and putting almost 40 million Filipino women at risk.

This tragic reality doesn’t have to be the case since 99% of cervical cancer cases are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can easily be prevented through HPV immunization of women as early as 9 years old.

Race against time

HPV vaccines are most effective when administered before exposure to the virus, which typically occurs through sexual activity. By vaccinating girls and young women early, preferably before they become sexually active, the Philippines can protect its women against the most common cancer-causing HPV genotypes.

Dr. John Wong, Chair and President of Epimetrics, highlights the urgent need to immunize women and speed up the awareness drive in the country. Like any virus, HPV strains adapt and evolve. Although vaccines targeting cancer-causing strains of HPV are now available, Dr. Wong warns that delaying vaccination efforts could lead to the emergence of new, potentially more dangerous HPV strains.

“We need to administer vaccines quickly. As time passes, the genotypes change,” said Dr. John Wong. “Our current nonavalent vaccine is effective, but who knows, maybe in the next 9 years, it will be difficult. There’s really an urgency to accelerate our efforts.”

Nothing is impossible

Mayor Chrislyn Abadilla explained how Banna, Ilocos Norte achieved a 90% HPV vaccination rate among their eligible groups.

Mayor Chrislyn Abadilla of Banna, Ilocos Norte, demonstrated to the summit that achieving a 90% HPV vaccination rate is possible, with her municipality successfully vaccinated 91.16% of the total cohort of girls aged 9 to 14 years old– making Banna the first municipality in the Philippines to achieve the target.

“It is about pushing ourselves to the limit for this health advocacy for our people,” said Mayor Chrislyn Adabilla. “If a small town in Ilocos Norte could do it, any other municipality could do it too. Other cities have more resources and better manpower.”

By allocating the necessary resources for healthcare advocacy and unwavering political will, Mayor Abadilla and her team were able to overcome challenges and ensure that the majority of their constituents were protected against cervical cancer.

Whole-of-society approach

(From L to R) Mr. John Lesaca, renowned musician and cancer advocate, Dr. Fernan Macrin Ramos, Assistant Head

City Health Office, Sto. Tomas Batangas, Dr. Marthony Basco, City Health Officer, Valenzuela City, Mayor Rozzano Rufino B. Biazon, Muntinlupa City, Mayor Chrislyn Abadilla, Banna, Ilocos Norte, Dr. John Wong, EpiMetrics, Dr. Cecilia Llave, Technical Advisor of the Jhpiego SUCCESS Project, Ms. Eden Lucero, Cervical Cancer Survivor and advocate, Ms. Frances Ngo of the University of the Philippines National Institutes of Health, Mr. Karlo Paredes, Market Access and Corporate Affairs Director of MSD of the Philippines

In the Philippines, achieving the 90-70-90 targets will require a whole-of-society approach, emphasizing that the fight against cervical cancer is not just the responsibility of the health sector but requires the commitment of the National Government, local government units, private sectors, and the public.

Stakeholders at the summit expressed their commitment to the battle towards cervical cancer elimination. The Department of Health pledged to strengthen its cervical cancer prevention and control programs. At the same time, local government units vowed to improve access to HPV vaccination and screening services in their communities. Healthcare providers committed to increasing awareness and uptake of these services, and patient advocates and civil society organizations promised to support elimination efforts.

The 1st Philippine Cervical Cancer Elimination Summit may have concluded, but the real battle of turning commitments into action has just begun. The Philippines’ journey towards elimination will require sustained efforts from all sectors of society, but with unity and determination, a future where no Filipina has to suffer from cancer is within reach.

MSD supports municipal, city health officers

April 23, 2024

MSD in the Philippines has partnered with the Association of Municipal Health Officers of the Philippines, Inc. (AMHOP) for a highly anticipated convention in Santa Rosa City, Laguna held on April 23 to 27, 2024.

AMHOP is a recognized healthcare-professional organization composed of municipal and city health officers, medical officers or specialists, Doctors to the Barrios, and other allied professionals who are actively engaged in the public health sector.

During the week-long convention, MSD distributed relevant materials to help grassroots healthcare professionals in raising awareness on Cervical Cancer, which is the second most common cancer afflicting Filipino women.

Education materials on Cervical Cancer and how to prevent HPV may be downloaded here:

Download Briefer

Download Brochure

Download Modules

Download Onepager

Download SMCs

Download Tarps

Our People

Women’s Network provides a safe space for our female employees to connect and grow

April 16, 2024

Did you know that the Philippines has one of the highest levels of gender equality across industries?¹ In fact, out of 146 countries, the Philippines is the 19th best-performing country in terms of gender parity, according to the Global Gender Gap Index of the World Economic Forum (WEF).²

Despite this good standing, we can still do more to support women in the workplace and encourage their further growth and development.

The World Bank underscores the need for relevant policies and programs to boost female labor participation in the Philippines.³ These policies and programs may include supporting flexible work arrangements, addressing gendered social norms limiting women’s access to the labor market, and providing alternatives to in-home childcare, just to name a few.

Why women’s networks matter in the workplace

Establishing a women’s community or network is a simple yet meaningful program that can support women in the workplace. It provides a safe space for women to connect, support each other, and advance their careers. It also promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace, thereby helping break down the gender pay gap and forward gender parity.

Women’s Network: A safe space for women and their allies

True to our commitment to diversity and inclusion, MSD in the Philippines offers many initiatives and programs that help us achieve this goal, including a Women’s Network. To date, MSD’s Women’s Network has 10,000 members in 72 global chapters empowering women throughout the company.

Women’s Network in the Philippines was formally launched in 2018 and re-launched last March 28, 2023, in time for the Women’s Month celebrations. The network is led by Jade Fortin, with co-lead Jonnabee Hular and core team members Lai Valenzuela, Nicole Tenorio, Sheila Perete, Julie Dequit, and Michelle Marcelo and country leadership team sponsors Roan Evangelista and Ma-an Galang-Escalona.

The Women’s Network aims to empower and support the women of MSD to fully realize their professional potential and achieve gender equality through all levels of the organization. The Women’s Network aspires to be an engaged and influential community that unapologetically champions and inspires women in MSD to be their authentic selves, feel a sense of belonging, and realize their professional aspirations.

“My passion lies in empowering women within our organization and creating a space where their voices are heard, valued, and celebrated. I am committed to fostering an environment where women can thrive, break barriers, and unlock their full potential. Through mentorship, networking, and professional development opportunities, we are building a community of strong and resilient women who inspire and support one another. Together, we will continue to shatter glass ceilings, cultivate leadership, and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future for all women at MSD,” emphasized Jade Fortin, Women’s Network Lead, Philippines. .

Women’s Network activities reflect its three key priorities: business integration and insights, talent acquisition and development, and community outreach and social responsibility.

Women’s Month 2024: #InspireInclusion

As part of the festivities for Women’s Month, the Women’s Network held a trade fair to promote and showcase up-and-coming female-owned and female-led businesses.

They also distributed cupcake treats for their female colleagues on International Women’s Day last March 8, in partnership with HR and GWES. Through an #InspireInclusion Photo Challenge, we let our female colleagues and allies unleash their creativity by striking their best poses to depict what embracing gender equity looks like.

In partnership with the Vaccines business unit, the Women’s Network has also launched the “Her Point of View (HPV) Cervical Cancer Prevention Lunch and Learn” activity.

With cervical cancer as the second most common cancer afflicting women in the Philippines, the Women’s Network reaffirms its commitment to make cervical cancer a thing of the past through awareness campaigns encouraging women to get vaccinated and screened for cervical cancer as early as possible in partnership with HR, Vaccines Business Unit, CO and Employee Cooperative.

During the second half of 2023, the network and their allies held Family Day and another Trade Fair, as well as an outreach activity called “Hair for Hope”, where volunteers can donate hair for cancer patients.

Lastly, the Women’s Network also held its Sister Circle locally called “Circle of Strength”, a safe space for our female and female-identifying colleagues and their allies to have courageous, bold, and inclusive conversations. For the last quarter of 2023, conversations delved into mental health, work-life balance, and balancing career and parenting. Additionally, long-term Women’s Network projects include the construction of an office playroom or family room, as well as improvements to the lactation room.

Lighting the path for our female colleagues and leaders

Indeed, the diversity of our colleagues enables us to better understand the unique needs of the consumers, healthcare providers, and patients we serve. Moving forward, we will remain committed to equity across gender as we continue to develop inclusive policies and programs that support women in the workplace and promote gender equality.

Want to know more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion? View our diversity and inclusion stories here.

Want a career where you can help invent for a more hopeful future? Visit our careers website today.

References

BusinessWorld, Present state of women in the workplace, March 2023
Philippine Institute for Development Studies, Women in the workplace: Paving a better landscape in the labor force, March 2023
BusinessWorld, Present state of women in the workplace, March 2023

Health Awareness

Together for Health: Making a United Stand Against Cervical Cancer

April 16, 2024

Cervical cancer can be prevented through vaccination against HPV—human papillomavirus, which causes about 99% of all cervical cancers—and regular screening. When diagnosed early and managed effectively, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable forms of cancer. Yet every year, out of the 8,549 Filipino women diagnosed with cervical cancer, 4,380 or more than half of them lose their lives. Every day, an estimated 12 Filipinas die of this disease—that means every two hours, a woman loses her fight against cervical cancer, and a family loses a loved one.

Understanding the burden of cervical cancer and underscoring the urgency of concrete multi-sectoral action towards its elimination, the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) and healthcare company MSD in the Philippines organized a forum titled “Together for Health: Making a United Stand Against Cervical Cancer” on April 5, 2024.

Increased incidence, rising costs

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women and among women between 15 and 44 years oldin the Philippines. The same pattern is seen across the region; moreover, the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer are increasing, based on a 2023 study by Economist Impact. Further, inconsistent adoption of national-level immunization and screening results in cervical cancer often being diagnosed too late, when health outcomes are not as good.

Apart from the human cost, the economic burden of cervical cancer can be catastrophic. Patients are confronted with high out-of-pocket (OOP) healthcare expenditures, both direct (treatment and hospitalization, medicines, caregiving services) and indirect (loss of productivity and income generation). Cancer patients and their families go into debt—in fact, 7 out of 10 cancer patients in the country “drop out of treatment regimen” due to lack of funds.As cases rise, the burden on the government, which invests in cancer care infrastructure and provides cancer assistance to patients as mandated by law, is expected to double to PhP200 billion in the next two decades.

Intensifying efforts to eliminate cervical cancer

The Philippine government adheres to the World Health Organization’s Global Strategy to Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer, which aims to achieve the following targets by 2030:

90% of girls fully vaccinated with HPV vaccine by the age of 15;
70% of women screened with a high-performance test by the age of 35, and again, by the age of 45; and
90% of women identified with cervical disease receive treatment (90% of women with precancer treated and 90% of women with invasive cancer managed).

Through the National Integrated Cancer Control Program (NICCP) Strategic Framework by the Department of Health (DOH) and its action priorities under the DOH Health Sector Strategy (2023-2028), the Philippine government has committed to intensifying its efforts and interventions directed towards prevention and early detection services to harness the impact of reducing the burden of cancer. Existing programs include providing free HPV vaccination (coupled with awareness campaigns increasing cancer literacy and dispelling the misconceptions that lead to vaccine hesitancy) and capacity building for primary care and specialist care providers throughout the country to improve the delivery of cancer care services, including cervical cancer screening for women.

A multifaceted problem needs a multisectoral approach. Cervical cancer elimination entails the cooperation of various stakeholders, from the biopharmaceutical industry and private sector and other industry players to patient organizations, government agencies at the local and national level involved in the implementation of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act, and even donor organizations focused on health promotion.

“Collaboration and innovation to address the barriers and inequalities in cancer prevention and care is critical. Hopefully, with various sectors working together, we can develop and implement an integrated and holistic approach to cancer elimination, helping achieve our national targets for immunization, screening, and treatment,” said Teodoro Padilla, Executive Director of the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). “We in the biopharmaceutical industry consider ourselves as partners in nation-building because a healthy citizenry is the backbone of a strong and inclusive economy.”

“Cervical cancer is not a death sentence; it is preventable and, if detected early, highly treatable. We need to continue promoting research-based information, prioritizing health education, and providing access to quality and affordable cancer care,” said Andreas Riedel, President, and Managing Director of MSD in the Philippines, indicating that women are then empowered to make the best choice about their health needs. “Our focus should be on placing women at the center, amplifying the voices of cervical cancer patients, and ensuring that we deliver best-in-class vaccines and the latest innovations in cancer care products and services within their reach.”

Through education, prevention, screening, and treatment—and the appropriate investment provided to all three through multisectoral partnerships—it is possible to end cervical cancer as a public health problem, making generations of women and girls safe from the disease so that they live healthier, longer, and more productive lives.

Abbygale “Abby” Arenas de Leon, a former beauty queen and a certified image professional, shares her story as a breast cancer survivor. Despite leading a relatively healthy lifestyle and having no family history of cancer, she was shocked to learn after a biopsy that she had been diagnosed with Stage 3 HER2+ breast cancer, an aggressive type.

Determined to fight, Abby underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and targeted therapy followed by modified radical mastectomy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy, as part of her personalized treatment plan. Now cancer-free since January 2021, she uses her platform to serve as a beacon of hope for women battling breast cancer and joins ‘Hope From Within,’ a cancer advocacy campaign by MSD in the Philippines, as its newest ambassador.

Emphasizing the value of innovative cancer care, Abby highlights that it allows cancer patients to spend more time with their loved ones, focusing on survival, quality of life, and family rather than treatment costs and challenges. She advocates for personalized treatment plans, innovation in treatments to increase survival rates and better outcomes, and the importance of a multidisciplinary team in managing breast cancer.

*Breast cancer survivor Abbygale “Abby” Arenas-de Leon*

The diagnosis came despite her living a relatively healthy lifestyle and having no history of cancer in the family. Despite the sad news, Abby was determined to fight. She didn’t perceive cancer to be a death sentence, but rather a test of strength for her to survive in the face of adversity.

Now, Abby uses her platform to serve as a beacon of hope for women in the battle against breast cancer. In celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, she joins ‘Hope From Within’, a cancer advocacy campaign by healthcare company MSD in the Philippines, as its newest ambassador.

Survival over cost, quality of life over money

Abby knew from day one that the only way to get better was to trust her doctors and follow their treatment advice. Although, one of her biggest questions to her doctors then was, “How much will it cost?”

The financial anxiety had Abby and her husband, veteran photographer Jun de Leon, navigated the possibility of selling their only home. While a house is indispensable for a middle-income family like the De Leons, Jun’s words were found reassuring by Abby. “We can buy another house, we can never buy another you.”

With the support of her loving husband and two kids, Abby went on with her personalized treatment plan which consisted of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and targeted therapy followed by modified radical mastectomy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy.

“Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was necessary for Abby since her cancer was discovered in a locally advanced stage,” said breast oncology surgeon, Dr. Diana O. Cua. “We needed to downsize her cancer to allow us for clear margins during surgery. This also let us see if she responded well to treatments, and served as a guide for future therapies,” added Dr. Cua.

Dr. Cua also explained that each breast cancer is different and unique. “This is why innovative approaches to breast cancer treatment have proved to increase survival rates and better outcomes, reduce side effects or complications to enhance the patient’s quality of life during and after treatment as well as minimize recurrence for long term survival.”

Meanwhile, Abby explained that spending time with family is what cancer patients would most value if treatments allowed them to live for longer. “There’s a real need for innovative cancer care because it’s a question of tradeoffs. It’s about survival over cost. It’s quality of life over money. It’s more time spent with your loved ones over getting caught up with the challenges of cancer.”

Moving forward: Life after cancer

Breast cancer is a complex disease that affects various aspects of a patient’s health. It’s vital that a multidisciplinary team of doctors assess a patient’s case, to come up with a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan targeted to one’s cancer type.

After 14 months of undergoing a series of therapies, Abby de Leon was finally deemed cancer-free in January 2021. She now maintains her health with the help of hormone therapy.

Abby’s journey through cancer was a proclamation of the love and support surrounding her. Many of their loved ones expressed their support, both morally and financially, that Abby and Jun de Leon were able to cover all treatment expenses while keeping their home.

As an ambassador for Hope From Within, Abby leads individuals, organizations, and communities to come together and raise awareness of the most common cancer types among women.

This breast cancer awareness month, her message is simple yet powerful: there is hope from within, and it’s stronger than any adversity.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) encompasses the principles of creating a diverse workforce, fostering an inclusive environment, and ensuring equitable opportunities for all employees, regardless of their background or characteristics.

A study found that companies in the top quartile for ethnic and cultural diversity were 36% more likely to outperform their industry competitors in terms of profitability. In an era marked by societal transformations and a greater emphasis on equality, companies that prioritize DE&I initiatives not only experience a boost in productivity and innovation but also foster a more harmonious work environment.

Global healthcare company, MSD in the Philippines, has been modeling DE&I as part of its strategic priorities, to nurture its talent pool, and better serve its equally diverse stakeholders. Through the establishment of Employee Business Resource Groups (EBRGs), MSD aims to provide a platform for employees to come together based on shared backgrounds, experiences, or interests, fostering a sense of belonging and support, as they grow their careers and work to save and improve patients’ lives.

“Leadership plays a pivotal role in ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion or DE&I programs are not just supported, but truly embraced. We know it is our responsibility to foster a workplace culture where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. By championing DE&I initiatives, we not only cultivate a more inclusive environment but also unleash the full potential of our diverse workforce. We can create a future where everyone thrives, where barriers are shattered, and where our collective success knows no bounds,” said Andreas Riedel, MSD in the Philippines President and Managing Director.

Empowering women to be at their best

MSD in the PH female employees celebrate Women’s Month by launching the Women’s Network

A prominent initiative within MSD’s commitment to DE&I is the establishment of the Women Network (WN). The primary goal of WN is to empower and support women to realize their full professional potential and promote gender equity throughout all levels of the organization. With an aspiration to create an engaged and influential community, the Women Network inspires women to embrace their authentic selves, fostering a sense of belonging and supporting them in realizing their professional aspirations.

Women Network has organized a range of impactful activities that highlight their dedication to promoting gender equity and empowering women in the workplace. One such event was the International Women’s Day celebration, where the accomplishments and contributions of women were recognized and celebrated. In addition, the Women’s Network, in collaboration with Vaccines BU organized a cervical cancer prevention lunch and learn activity, raising awareness about an important health issue affecting women. Special occasions like Mother’s Day and Women’s Health Month were commemorated, emphasizing the significance of women’s roles and well-being. WN also established regional circle sisters, which provided a safe space for bold and inclusive discussions and learning circles.

Notably, women make up over 50% of MSD’s employee population, and over 50% of management roles are held by women leaders in health care.

Bridging the generation gap

Meanwhile, the Next Gen Network (NGN) program is a dynamic initiative aimed at breaking generational barriers and fostering a strong sense of belonging and acceptance among employees. By creating a genuinely safe-to-speak environment, NGN ensures that every individual within the organization feels valued and heard. By bringing together employees from different generations, NGN not only fosters understanding and collaboration but also accelerates business outcomes through diverse perspectives. Furthermore, the program plays a vital role in developing the leaders of tomorrow by providing opportunities for mentorship, skill-building, and professional growth.

“By nurturing intergenerational relationships and creating spaces for meaningful dialogue, we can harness the collective wisdom and innovative ideas of both seasoned professionals and emerging talents. We are breaking down barriers, fostering understanding, and cultivating a dynamic workplace culture that values the unique contributions of each generation. Through the Next Gen Network, we are shaping the leaders of tomorrow, united in our commitment to drive positive change and achieve remarkable outcomes,” noted Justin Jerome De Jesus, Next Gen Network Lead, Philippines.

Leading with pride

The newest of the EBRGs, Rainbow Alliance is an integral part of MSD’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, envisions an accepting workplace culture that fully supports a vibrant LGBTQ+ and visible Allies employee network globally. Through initiatives such as talent recruitment and development, community outreach, and business integration, Rainbow Alliance strives to inspire and nurture a workplace environment that embraces and celebrates the LGBTQ+ community. In collaboration with the Human Resources department, a consultation session was held to explore the possibility of extending benefits to common law and same-gender partners. After thorough research and extensive discussions, the policy was approved, marking a significant step toward fostering equality and inclusivity within the organization. Effective January 2023, this policy change demonstrates MSD’s commitment to creating an environment where all employees, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, are treated with dignity and respect.

“I am inspired by the support and encouragement we receive in our mission to create a safe and affirming environment for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. With the backing of our leadership, we are empowered to drive meaningful change, break down barriers, and ensure that every individual feels valued and respected for who they are. We are building a workplace where diversity is celebrated, and all voices are heard. MSD’s leadership is instrumental in paving the way for a more inclusive future, and I am honored to be part of this transformative journey,” shared Mel Siapno, Rainbow Alliance Lead, Philippines.

As businesses strive for success in a rapidly changing world, they must recognize the value of DE&I and take proactive measures to foster an inclusive and equitable workplace. By embracing diversity, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring equity, organizations can cultivate a thriving workforce that drives innovation, enhances employee well-being, and paves the way for a better future for all.

The Department of Health (DOH) is planning to procure by next year DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)-based test kits for the screening of human papillomavirus (HPV), a viral infection commonly associated with cervical cancer. The health agency has already submitted the kits to the Health Technology Assessment Council for evaluation, according to Dr. Jan Llevado, cancer control division chief of the DOH. She said during the 12th HPV Summit on Thursday that the kits are being piloted in 30 access sites in the country through a partnership between the DOH and nonprofit organization Jhpiego. The three-year project called “Scale Up Cervical Cancer Elimination with Secondary prevention Strategy,” or Success, began in 2021. Llevado said DNA-based testing is a “high-quality performance method used as primary screening test for cervical cancer elimination” and endorsed by the World Health Organization. For areas without access to the HPV-DNA test kits, free screening tests using visual inspection with acetic acid wash are available for women 20 years old and up at all DOH hospitals and rural health units. In 2021, the DOH aimed to vaccinate 1,036,009 9-year-old girls, the starting age for children to get at least a single dose of HPV vaccines.

The right to health for all people means that everyone should have access to the health services they need, when and where they need them, without suffering financial hardship.

Although our nation’s healthcare has a long way to go in terms of improvement, healthcare professionals across the country have been hard at work on how our nation’s Universal Health Care can progress. This time, it is not solely healthcare professionals who are working to change the healthcare landscape. Now, we have patient leaders to push dialogues and create opportunities for patient voices to be heard.

Recently, the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO) in partnership with the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) in Makati held the graduation ceremony for their rigorous Post-Graduate Certificate Course on Healthcare Leadership and Management. This is part of PAPO’s vision to be the unifying voice of Filipino patients, where patient leaders across the nation have the unique opportunity to hone their knowledge and skills to drive positive change within the healthcare sector.

During the ceremony, five groups presented their Action Learning Projects (ALP) – which are real-life, results-oriented projects designed to provide participants with more meaningful learning and help ensure the learning in the classroom is translated to the workplace. PAPO looked at innovative ways to improve the Philippines’ current healthcare landscape. In these presentations, the patient leaders discussed the following topics: 1) Project Padayon, a toolkit guide for local health officers in organizing and partnering with patient groups; 2) Developing a strategic partnership for people-centered healthcare; 3) automation of Filipino medical records through mobile application development, 4) Increasing access to financing for rare disease patients; and 5) enhancing the patient experience in accessing financial assistance through the Malasakit Center.

“Mas lumakas ang confidence naming mga PAPO leaders through the program after knowing now how to frame problems and propose solutions in a better way,” says PAPO trustee Mel Lamsin. “Our ALP is all about helping indigent patients regarding financial assistance. We saw the pain points of patients and what the government should tackle and the solutions that patients can offer. That is why patient leaders are important, so we can serve as the patient’s voice in important matters and co-create solutions.”

A Pioneer in Healthcare Leadership Education

AIM and PAPO co-developed the customized, first-of-its-kind program under the School of Executive Education and Lifelong Learning. Patient leaders had the opportunity to hone their leadership skills toward creating a people-centered approach to health care.

“Each of the patient leaders is a volunteer, and they don’t have any compensation, but because of their personal experience, either as a patient or a carer of someone with the disease, this motivated them to start their patient advocacy,” says PAPO president Karen Alparce-Villanueva.

The primary objective of the program is to enhance the capabilities of patient leaders, empowering them to effectively lead and transform their organizations. By equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge, these individuals can play pivotal roles as members of the local health boards. The program aims to foster their active participation in decision-making processes, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the improvement of healthcare systems at the grassroots level.

“Under the Universal Health Care law, there’s going to be a functioning local health board, and we want the patient’s voice to be represented and reflected in these local health boards. But we realize we cannot come there unprepared,” says Alparce-Villanueva. “That’s the reason why we have the courses to prepare ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally, and then have the confidence because we will be sitting with other stakeholders. This course will further enhance our leadership, strategic thinking, and our empathy through design thinking, which is the major framework that we learned from this program.”

Patient voice matters

In recent years, there has been a general trend toward transforming the healthcare system from something that happens to patients, into something that happens with them. Listening to patients and their families, and involving them in the development of diagnosis, treatment, and after-care services will improve patient care and experience. This is why a strong patient voice matters.

“We hope to develop leaders that will be inspired to do good things that will be beneficial to society and in its transformation,” says Albert Mateo, Head of the School of Executive Education and Lifelong Learning at AIM. “Today, I think we have achieved that by allowing these patient leaders to be empowered, see their passion and the burning desire how to contribute moving forward. “I’m looking forward to seeing that the action learning project that the patient leaders have just presented is only the first of the many, many projects they will do eventually.”

A community of champions to empower Filipino patients

This strategic collaboration between PAPO and AIM was also supported by key players in the pharmaceutical industry, represented by the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) and sponsors, including MSD, Roche, and Boehringer Ingelheim.

“As a member of PHAP, we at MSD stand with PAPO, AIM, and the broader community in championing patient-centered health care for Filipino patients. We laud PAPO for bringing this vision closer to reality by equipping patient leaders through this postgraduate course, and feel honored to be among the sponsors,” said Andreas Riedel, President and Managing Director, MSD Philippines.

The journey towards a better future for healthcare in the Philippines relies on the active involvement and empowerment of dedicated leaders. By investing in the education and capacity-building of patient advocates and group leaders, PAPO is nurturing a generation of change-makers who possess the knowledge and skills to transform their organizations and contribute to local health boards. As these individuals disseminate their learnings and add value within their communities, a ripple effect occurs, ultimately leading to an enhanced healthcare system.