Some 1,650 indigent women from 33 barangays in Angeles City will get free pap smear, breast examination, and HIV testing beginning March 4, 2024. 

This was revealed during the meeting presided by Chief Adviser IC Calaguas with Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel, Gender and Development Officer Mina Cabiles, Angeles City Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office Head Irish Bonus-Llego, City Health Officer Dr. Verona Guevarra, and City Health Office Nurse Supervisor Evelinda Mariano. 

According to Calaguas, the target beneficiaries are those from the poorest of the poor families.  She added that the city government’s three mobile bus clinics will be deployed in the 33 barangays via schedule, Calaguas says. 

The free medical services will start in Rural Health Units of Barangays Sto. Domingo, Lourdes Northwest, and Lourdes Sur East.

Meanwhile, free buntis kits will be distributed to pregnant women in Barangays Sto. Domingo, Pulungbulu, Lourdes Sur East, Cutcut, Lourdes Northwest, and Virgen Delos Remedios.

Dr. Guevarra further shared some reminders for the women-beneficiaries.

“They are the target age group since they are known to be the prone bracket in terms of cervical and/or breast cancer,” Dr. Guevarra said.

Mayor Lazatin has pushed for these programs to ensure that they will be protected from any disease, Dr. Guevarra added. 

“Sabi nga po ni Mayor Lazatin, prevention is better than cure,” Dr. Guevarra said. 

For those who will undergo the free tests, it is important to wear a dress or skirt, Dr. Guevarra says. 

Dr. Guevarra added that it is also important to note on the day of the scheduled pap smear, 10 days had already lapsed from the last day of menstruation period. 

Dr. Guevarra also reminded the women to observe proper hygiene and avoid sexual contact three days prior to the scheduled pap smear. 

The program on free medical exams is activities of Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. for the Women’s Month celebration.