Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
 Nineteenth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by Representative Stella Luz A. Quimbo 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Cervical cancer is a major public health concern in the Philippines, with an estimated 
7,277 new cases and 4,311 deaths from the disease in 2020 alone.  This roughly translates to 
about twelve (12) deaths per day.  This number could be significantly reduced through early 
detection and treatment, which is possible through regular screening. 
In 2018, members of the Philippine Society of Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy 
(PSCPC) organized a nationwide, simultaneous, free cervical screening in the form of Visual 
Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA), and lay info-sessions in their respective institutions. In 
2020, the Department of Health (DOH) has launched the "Elimination of Cervical Cancer in 
the Philippines" program, which aims to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer by 90% and 
mortality by 95% by 2040.  The program includes several strategies to achieve its goals, 
including increasing awareness and education on cervical cancer prevention, strengthening 
vaccination programs for human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the primary cause of cervical 
cancer, and improving access to screening and treatment services. 
May is the Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in the Philippines.  The 23rd of May was 
chosen to be the National Cervical Cancer Screening Day since it was during the 23rd year of 
PSCPC (2018) that they started their nationwide program specifically for cervical cancer 
screening.  The establishment of the National Cervical Cancer Screening Day will complement 
the efforts of DOH to bring us closer to the goal of eliminating cervical cancer in the 
Philippines.  The proposed bill will encourage government agencies and local government units 
to conduct public education and awareness campaigns to motivate women to get screened.  It 
will also mandate the provision of free or low-cost screening services to underserved and 
marginalized populations. 
Moreover, the bill aligns with the commitment of DOH to eliminate cervical cancer in 
the Philippines. By increasing awareness and access to screening services, we can reduce the 
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burden of cervical cancer and save many lives.  The establishment of a National Cervical 
Cancer Screening Day will also serve as a reminder for women to schedule their annual check-
ups and get screened for cervical cancer. 
In order to help reduce the burden of cervical cancer in the Philippines and achieve our 
shared goal of eliminating cervical cancer and improving the health and well-being of Filipino 
women, the swift passage of the bill is earnestly sought. 
 STELLA LUZ A. QUIMBO, PhD


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
3 
Nineteenth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by Representative Stella Luz A. Quimbo 
AN ACT DECLARING MAY 23 OF EVERY YEAR AS 
NATIONAL CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING DAY 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “National Cervical Cancer 
Screening Day Act of 2023.” 
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SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy.   The State recognizes the role of women in nation-
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building and guarantees to protect and promote the fundamental right to health and instilling 
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health consciousness among them. 
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SECTION 3. National Cervical Cancer Screening Day.   May 23 of every year is 
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hereby declared as the “National Cervical Cancer Screening Day” throughout the Philippines. 
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SECTION 4. Mandate of the Department of Health.  The Department of Health 
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(DOH) shall lead in the implementation of programs and activities to promote awareness and 
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encourage women to undergo cervical cancer screening.  It shall conduct public information 
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campaigns on cervical cancer screening, including the importance of early detection, the 
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screening process, and the availability of screening services. The DOH shall also work with 
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public and private health care providers to provide affordable and accessible cervical cancer 
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screening services, particularly to underserved communities. 
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SECTION 5. Coverage.  The DOH shall ensure that cervical cancer screening services 
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are available to all women, regardless of their economic status or geographic location. 
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SECTION 6. Appropriations. The amount necessary for the implementation of this 
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Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
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SECTION 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations.  The DOH, in coordination with 
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other concerned agencies, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to implement 
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the provisions of this Act. 
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SECTION 8. Penalties.  Any person or entity that violates the provisions of this Act 
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shall be liable for fines and penalties as provided for by law. 
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SECTION 9. Separability Clause.  If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or 
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unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect. 
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SECTION 10. Repealing Clause.  All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations or 
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parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly. 
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SECTION 11. Effectivity.  This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
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publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
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Approved,