100 women from Camarines Sur get free HPV DNA testing, breast exam through GMA Kapuso Foundation

About 100 women from Gainza town in Camarines Sur underwent free HPV DNA testing and breast exam that were available through the initiative of the GMA Kapuso Foundation with the Bicol Medical Center.

According to a “24 Oras” report Friday, among those who availed of the free services was Monica Alabat.

Monica was only seven years old when she learned how to make pawid, or roof thatch, from Nipa leaves.

For every four feet of thatch, she earns P3, which is not enough to buy medicine for her aching body from working all day.

“Lalo sa balakang. Sabi nga eh baka ano, may sakit ka na sa UTI. Hindi ako nakakapagpatingin, sa kahirapan na rin,” she said.

In celebration of Women’s Month, GMA Kapuso Foundation partnered with Bicol Medical Center and offered free HPV DNA testing and breast examinations.

“Molecular level na HPV DNA virus. Nakikita po dito kung ‘yung isang babae ay merong virus na pwedeng mag-cause ng cancer bukod po sa cervical cancer. Kasama po namin dito ‘yung mga expert sa breast cancer na nagbibigay po ngayon ng counselling at tuturuan po sila mag self-breast examination,” Dr. Alma Mercurio Dresnan said.

The women were also given grocery packs and hygiene kits.

“Salamat po sa GMA Kapuso dahil ako po ay hindi talaga nagpapacheck-up. Kayo na rin po ang nagdala sa amin para matignan kami,” Monica said.

For those who want to take part in GMA Kapuso Foundation’s initiatives, you may send your donations through bank deposits, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Shopee, PayMaya, Zalora, MegaMart, Globe Rewards, Metrobank credit card, and Lazada.

For more information, visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website. https://www.gmanetwork.com/kapusofoundation/donate

—  Carby Basina/BAP, GMA Integrated News