Women in Catanduanes receive free pap smear, breast exam through GMA Kapuso Foundation

This Women's Month, the GMA Kapuso Foundation offered free pap smears and breast examinations to women in Panganiban and Viga, Catanduanes. 

According to a "24 Oras" report, Monday, among the beneficiaries of the initiative are abaca weavers Nelda Valdez and Ligaya Evangelista, who work tirelessly to make ends meet. 

"Maraming hirap na dinaanan ko simula pagkabata," shared Nelda. "Nakita ko na sa isang anak ko, nagkaroon na ako ng isang college graduate, parang nabunutan na 'ko ng isang tinik." 

Linda, for her part, also takes on fishing to supplement her income as an abaca weaver. 

"Busy lang po talaga, sa budget pag walang libre syempre uunahin po muna yung pangangailangan ng mga bata," she said. 

In celebration of International Women's Day and Women's Month, the GMA Kapuso Foundation gave attention to the health of the women in Panganiban and Viga, offering free pap smears and breast exams, and teaching the women how to perform breast self-exams. 

The beneficiaries also received gifts from the foundation. 

"'Yung pap smear po ay makakatulong po upang maagapan po 'yung kalusugan ng kwelyo ng matres, ang cervix ng isang nanay, para masigurado po na wala pong nagsisimulang cancer," said Dr. Jay-R Sorreda, an obstetrician-gynecologist. 

Ma. Kristine Velasco, a public health nurse in Panganiban, also shared that it was the first time for most of the beneficiaries to get a pap smear. 

For those who wish to support GMA Kapuso Foundation's projects, donations may be made via Metrobank, Land Bank, BDO, Bank of Commerce, UnionBank, PNB, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Lazada, and Shopee. Visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website for more information.

—CDC, GMA Integrated News