14/10/2026
ππ πππ-πππ ππππππππ ππππππ ππππππ πππππππππ πππππ πππππππππππ π
ππππ ππππ ππ
βEarly Detection Saves Livesβ
The City Mayorβs Office β Gender and Development (CMO-GAD) successfully conducted the Breast Cancer Awareness Month Celebration Forum on October 13, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Atrium, Robinsons Place Iligan, bringing together women, advocates, health professionals, survivors, partners, and members of the community for an afternoon of awareness, learning, inspiration, and solidarity.
CMO-GAD extends its heartfelt appreciation to Hon. Frederick W. Siao, City Mayor of Iligan, for his unwavering support in making meaningful initiatives such as this possible, and to Hon. Michelle E. Sweet, SP Chairperson on Women, Gender and Development, for her continued support in advancing programs that promote womenβs health, empowerment, and well-being.
The program formally opened with Renefe Mosot-Padilla, OIC-Division Head and LGU GAD Focal Person, who warmly welcomed and thanked everyone who participated in the activity. She emphasized the importance of creating spaces where women and families can gain reliable information on breast cancer, while expressing her sincere gratitude to the medical professionals, partners, advocates, survivors, and guests who generously shared their time, expertise, and support for the advocacy.
A Message of Support from the City Mayorβs Office, on behalf of Hon. Frederick W. Siao, City Mayor of Iligan, and Jules Verne A. Padilla, Chief of Staff of the City Mayorβs Office, was delivered by Tony Alejo. The message reaffirmed the City Governmentβs continued support for initiatives that strengthen health awareness, preventive care, and accessible information for women and families, emphasizing the importance of collective action in promoting healthier and more informed communities.
CMO-GAD likewise expresses its appreciation to Former City Councilor Ryan Ong for sharing a Message of Support, reinforcing the importance of community involvement, awareness, and solidarity in the continuing fight against breast cancer.
π CMO-GAD gives special thanks to the City Health Office (CHO) for its valuable partnership in making the forum both informative and responsive to the health needs of participants. A major highlight of the activity was the successful conduct of the Breast Cancer Awareness Screening Test, which was availed of by many participants. The screening provided women with an opportunity to take a proactive step toward their health and translated the forumβs message of early detection into an accessible and meaningful health service.
CMO-GAD likewise extends its special gratitude to the Department of Health (DOH) and Gregorio T. Lluch Memorial Hospital (GTLMH) for their valuable partnership and support for the Breast Cancer Awareness Month advocacy. Their participation and collaboration with the City Government and health sector helped strengthen the delivery of reliable health information, professional guidance, and services to the participants. Their continuing commitment to public health plays an important role in encouraging early detection, timely consultation, and greater awareness of breast cancer within the community.
Special appreciation is extended to Jimmy Sale, Sanitary Inspector of the City Health Office (CHO), for acknowledging and welcoming the participants and for the continued partnership of the health sector in bringing important health information closer to the community.
CMO-GAD also gives its warmest appreciation to Miss World Iligan 2026 Allyson Marshall, whose presence brought additional inspiration and visibility to the advocacy. Her participation helped amplify the importance of breast cancer awareness and served as an encouraging reminder that every individual can use their voice and platform to promote womenβs health, early detection, and compassionate support for those affected by breast cancer. π
The Office likewise extends its sincere appreciation to Hon. Simplicio N. Larrazabal III, SP Chairperson of the Committee on Health, for his support for initiatives that strengthen public health awareness and promote the well-being of Iliganons.
The distinguished resource speakers of the forum were introduced by Julita W. Bokingo, Head of the CMO-GAD Womenβs Economic and Leadership Development Unit (WELDU).
CMO-GAD expresses its deepest appreciation to Ardel CastaΓ±eda-Padayhag, MD, Officer-in-Charge, City Health Office, who served as the Keynote Speaker, for sharing valuable insights and reinforcing the importance of accessible health information, preventive care, and early detection in protecting the lives and well-being of women.
Heartfelt gratitude is also extended to Kim Gonzales Daroy, MD, Breast Surgeon, for generously sharing her medical expertise and helping participants better understand breast health, warning signs, screening, early detection, and the importance of seeking timely professional care. Her discussion provided participants with practical and empowering information that can help women become more proactive about their health.
CMO-GAD likewise extends its sincere appreciation to Ahmad M. Domado, MD, FPCP, Internal Medicine β Medical Oncology, for sharing valuable medical perspectives on breast cancer, treatment, and patient care. His expertise helped participants better understand the medical journey following diagnosis and the importance of appropriate treatment, support, and continuity of care.
The Office also recognizes Isidro D. Permites, MD, DPBS, who, although unable to personally attend the forum, extended his full support to the activity and its advocacy. His continued commitment to promoting breast cancer awareness and supporting efforts toward better health education is sincerely valued and appreciated.
π A particularly meaningful and inspiring part of the forum was the sharing of our breast cancer survivor-speakers. CMO-GAD extends its deepest respect and heartfelt gratitude to these courageous women for opening their hearts and sharing their personal journeysβtheir fears, struggles, treatments, sacrifices, victories, and continuing hope.
Their stories went beyond testimonials. They became powerful messages of courage, resilience, strength, faith, and hope. By sharing some of the most personal chapters of their lives, they reminded everyone present of the importance of early detection, family and community support, and the strength that can be found even during lifeβs most difficult battles. Their voices gave inspiration not only to women facing breast cancer, but also to families, advocates, and everyone working toward greater awareness and compassion.
CMO-GAD also sincerely thanks the Buhanginan Voices for sharing their talents through the Invocation, singing of the Philippine National Anthem, and intermission presentation, adding warmth, solemnity, and inspiration to the program.
The activity concluded with the Closing Remarks of Mariza Esay Go Minaga, Head of the CMO-GAD Community Mobilization Unit (CMU), who expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the forum. She emphasized the importance of carrying the lessons and awareness gained from the activity beyond the venue and into families and communities, encouraging everyone to become advocates for breast cancer awareness and early detection.
Finally, CMO-GAD extends its sincerest appreciation to all participants, women associations of each barangay, speakers, breast cancer survivors, guests, health professionals, partner offices, advocates, organizers, volunteers, technical personnel especially to Cal Magumpara who facilitated the event, and everyone who worked behind the scenes. Every contribution whether through expertise, testimony, participation, logistical support, or simply being present helped make the forum a meaningful celebration of awareness, courage, compassion, solidarity, and hope.
π Breast cancer awareness does not end with one forum. Let us continue sharing knowledge, encouraging early detection, supporting survivors, and reminding every woman that her health matters.
π Early Detection Saves Lives. Awareness gives hope. Together, we stand stronger.
