WHEREAS, cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in women, threatening the lives of thousands of Filipino women each year;

WHEREAS, cervical cancer is a preventable illness and can be detected early through regular medical examination; and yet, majority of the cases of cervical cancer in the Philippines are seen by doctors only at the late stages of the illness;

WHEREAS, the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (Foundation), Inc. is undertaking a campaign to curb the incidence of cervical cancer through increased awareness and medical assistance through a nationwide cervical cancer screening program, with emphasis on the importance of early detection in the fight against cervical cancer;

WHEREAS, under said nationwide cervical cancer screening program, the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (Foundation), Inc. shall be providing free Pap smears and acetic acid wash tests nationwide;

WHEREAS, to emphasize the Government's commitment to the "Healthy Lifestyle Check - Healthy People Build A Strong Republic" campaign of the Department of Health, it is fitting to give support to health and medical awareness programs initiated by the private sector;

NOW THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare the month of May of every year as "Cervical Cancer Consciousness Month" under the auspices of the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (Foundation), Inc., with the support of the Department of Health.

The Department of Health shall ensure that the appropriate information on cervical cancer is widely disseminated through its Centers for Health Development, among others.

City of Manila, April 30, 2003.


By the President:

(Sgd.) ALBERTO G. ROMULO
Executive Secretary