Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

8052

House Bill No.

Introduced by HONORABLE SCOTT DAVIES S. LANETE, M.D.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Article I, Section 14 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution recognizes the role of women in
nation-building. Section 15 of the same Article declared a State policy to protect and promote
the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.

A disturbing number of Filipinas are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year.
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix — the lower part of
the uterus that connects to the vagina. Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a
sexually transmitted infection, play a role in causing most cervical cancer. When exposed to
HPV, a woman's immune system typically prevents the virus from doing harm. In a small
group of women, however, the virus survives for years, contributing to the process that
causes some cells on the surface of the cervix to become cancer cells.'

Among the known factors that increase the risk of contracting cervical cancer on women are
numerous sexual partners, early sexual activity, sexually transmitted diseases, weak immune
system and smoking.”

Despite these risk factors, cervical cancer can be prevented. Among the recognized methods
of prevention are vaccines, routine tests, safe sex and cessation of smoking.”

In the Philippines, the problem on cervical cancer lies mainly with lack of educational
awareness on cervical cancer, specifically the risk factors, prevention and treatment. Only a
small number of the women population are aware that cervical cancer can be prevented by
vaccines and a lesser number are aware that they need regular check up for early diagnosis
and treatment. In most cases, cervical cancer among Filipinas is detected at late stages,
making treatment difficult, if not impossible.

In order for the State to fully and effectively produce women who are nation-builders, it first
needs to look after their health. Thus, it is imperative that the State adopts a public awareness

1 https:// www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions /cervical-cancer /symptoms-causes /syc-20352501
2Id.

31d.


campaign on cervical cancer that would educate Filipinas about cervical cancer prevention,
detection and treatment.

Hence, the passage of this bill is urgently sought.

SCOTT DAVIES S. LANETE, M.D.

ive
‘Third District, Province of Masbate


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

House Bill No._8952

Introduced by HONORABLE SCOTT DAVIES S. LANETE, M.D.

AN ACT DECLARING THE 23" DAY OF MAY OF EVERY YEAR AS “VISUAL
INSPECTION WITH ACETIC ACID DAY” AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

‘Sec. 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as “Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid Day
Act.”

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. The State recognizes the role of women in nation-building and
their right to health. The State likewise recognizes its vital role in instilling health
consciousness among women.

Sec. 3. Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid. The 23" Day of May of every year shall be
known as “Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid” throughout the Philippines.

Sec. 4. Public Awareness Program. Pursuant to the observance of Visual Inspection with
Acetic Acid, a thorough and effective public education and awareness campaign shall be
conducted on cervical cancer, its detection and treatment, with emphasis on early diagnosis.
The State shall conduct free screening of cervical cancer using visual inspection with acetic
acid

Sec. 5. Implementing Agencies. The Department of Health, in coordination with all local
government units, including cities and municipalities, together with non-government and
civic organizations, shall lead the implementation of the public education and awareness
campaign.

Sec. 6. Appropriation. The amount necessary to defray the cost of the Visual Inspection with
‘Acetic Acid Day shall be appropriated from the General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 7. Repealing Clause. ~ Alll laws, issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 8. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved.