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THE Philippine College of Occupational Medicine (PCOM) and healthcare company MSD in the Philippines have joined forces to integrate cancer prevention into workplace health programs, reinforcing early detection and access to preventive healthcare for Filipino workers.
(From left) MSD representatives vaccines business unit head Ethel Calma, country medical lead Mary Ann Galang and president and managing director Andreas Riedel; Philippine College of Occupational Medicine representatives president Anna Sofia Fajardo, vice president Claire Miñoza and board member Roselle Andres, MSD PHOTO
Through a newly signed memorandum of agreement, the partnership will equip occupational health professionals with the tools and training needed to implement workplace-based cancer prevention initiatives nationwide.
Leading the signing were MSD representatives Andreas Riedel, president and managing director; Mary Ann Galang, country medical lead; and Ethel Calma, vaccines business unit head; alongside PCOM board members medical doctors Anna Sofia Fajardo, who is also the president; Claire Miñoza; and Roselle Andres.
"Our members are at the forefront of workplace health, and this collaboration with MSD enhances our efforts in cancer prevention. As government policies evolve to prioritize occupational health, PCOM remains committed to working with the Department of Health and the Department of Labor and Employment to implement meaningful workplace programs that protect workers from preventable diseases," Fajardo emphasized.
Riedel highlighted the urgency of addressing workplace cancer risks.
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"Cancer remains a leading cause of death in the Philippines, with cervical cancer alone claiming 12 lives daily – despite being largely preventable. HPV vaccination can prevent up to 90 percent of cervical cancer cases and also protect against other cancers, including head and neck cancers. With the government's push for stronger workplace health policies, this partnership expands access to life-saving prevention and early detection efforts," he said.
Through this collaboration, both organizations reaffirm their commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of Filipino workers.
This aligns with the Universal Health Care Law and Occupational Safety and Health Standards, which emphasize preventive healthcare for workers.
Moving forward, MSD and PCOM will roll out educational initiatives, training programs and awareness campaigns to reinforce cancer prevention strategies in workplaces across the country.
These efforts will be implemented both nationally and through PCOM's soon-to-be-established regional chapters.
The partnership will also include collaborations on key events, such as PCOM's annual congress and a dedicated symposium, to engage occupational health professionals and business leaders in workplace cancer prevention.
With this collaboration, PCOM and MSD are taking concrete steps toward a future where Filipino workers have greater access to cancer prevention resources, reinforcing the role of occupational health in saving lives.
