By Diann Calucin
The Quezon City local government conducted free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) screening and distributed hygiene and makeup kits to persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at QC Jail Female Dormitory, Camp Karingal in Diliman, Quezon City on Friday, Oct. 21.
According to the local government, 500 packs of hygiene kits and 39 makeup kits were distributed to the female PDLs.
A total of 160 female PDLs and three personnel also underwent free HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer and other cancer types.
The testing was conducted by the QC health department.
The QC health department personnel also held a seminar about the LGU's programs that seek to fight cervical cancer.
The city government said the activities were aligned with the city program “No Woman Left Behind” and the National Correction Consciousness (NACOCO) Week.
Jail Warden Supt. Maria Ignacia C. Monteron expressed her gratitude to QC Mayor Joy Belmonte for her continuous assistance and support to PDLs.
“No Woman Left Behind” is a program developed by QC LGU through the QC Gender and Development Council to improve the welfare, healthcare, and education of women, including female PDLs, in the city.
The HPV DNA screening is a laboratory test in which cells were scraped from the cervix to look for the DNA of HPV.
Extended exposure to HPV causes cancer, including cancers of the cervix, anus, vagina, vulva, penis, and oropharynx.