The San Juan City local government, in partnership with the Embassy of Israel, Makati Medical Center Foundation, and Operation Blessing, spearheaded a new program aimed at improving the health and wellness of Filipino women and promote cervical and breast cancer awareness on Monday, March 13.
San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora led the event, together with Ambassador Ilan Fluss, Makati Medical Center Foundation Executive Director Marge Barro, and John Howe of Operation Blessing.
Derived from the word "Isha" which means "woman" in Hebrew, the ISHA Project was launched in 2022 with the primary goal of serving as an efficient and effective tool for responding to the health and wellness needs of Filipinas who have limited access to health services particularly tests that help detect cervical and breast cancer.
During the event, a total of 70 women-beneficiaries were provided with free PAP Smear, breast exam, and consultation in celebration of Women’s Month. Those who test positive will be jointly helped by the Makati Medical Center Foundation and Operation Blessing in seeking treatment.
Zamora expressed his gratitude to Amb. Fluss for choosing the city of San Juan as ISHA Project's venue and for creating programs and initiatives benefitting women.
“Alam niyo naman po in February of 2019, Keri was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. It was the hardest point in our lives. But through God’s grace, prayers, and faith, she’s strong and healthy. So, every time there is a program for breast cancer, it is close to our hearts. We have experienced how hard it is to battle cancer. That’s why we’re thankful that there are people like Amb. Fluss, Marge, and John to help us in our program for women," Zamora said.
Barros said, “On behalf of our board of trustees, we would like to thank Mayor Zamora, Amb. Ilan Fuss, and Operation Blessing for this opportunity to be able to serve the City of San Juan. We are looking forward to working with you towards securing the health security of the City of San Juan. Sa lahat ng kababaihan this morning, we celebrate you!”
Fluss shared the rich historical relationship between the Philippines and Israel which started in 1938 when Former President Manuel L. Quezon allowed 1,300 Jewish refugees to seek asylum in the country after fleeing the Nazis.
In 1947, the Philippines was also a critical vote in the United Nations (UN) in the establishment of the state of Israel as the homeland for the Jews. The Philippines was the only country in Asia that supported the move.
“For these two important gestures, Israel feels responsible to pay back to the Philippines in cases of humanitarian disasters and in cases of needs, Israel would be here to work and assist the Philippines,” Fluss said.
“We hope that this is an opportunity to further our progression and collaboration for the future. Mayor Zamora and members of the council, the employees, this is our opportunity to renew our commitment with you in San Juan in embracing the path towards gender equity, inclusivity and health. I hope we can work in many more projects, both in women and girls,” he added.
Operation Blessing also distributed medicines and vitamins towomen while Makati Medical Center Foundation and the Embassy of Israel provided them with loot bags.
“It’s an honor today to be here with you. Of course, it’s Women’s Month and the initiatives that are helping women through this project, we thank and congratulate everyone who is involved in this,” Howe said.
Several healthcare workers from Makati Medical Center and San Juan Medical Center volunteered to provide free services to the women-beneficiaries while Operation Blessing brought its mobile clinic to San Juan City Hall.
“Ang aking mensahe lalo na sa mga kababaihan, magpa-test tayo. Gamitin natin ang pagkakataon na magpa-test. At kung sakali, wag naman sana, na kinakailangan ninyo ng treatment, handa po ang lungsod na tumulong sa inyo sa anumang treatment na ito. Naglalaan po tayo ng malaking pondo para sa ating kalusugan (My message to all women is to get yourselves tested. Let's take this chance to get tested. Now, if ever you test positive or in need of treatment, the city is ready to help you in getting whatever treatment you need. We have already allocated a large budget for the health and wellness of our citizens)," Zamora stressed.