Quezon City, Philippines — The Department of Science and Technology – Advanced Science and Technology Institute’s (DOST-ASTI) Cerv.ai Project, in partnership with the End Cervical Cancer Philippines Organization, Inc. (CerviQ–ECCPOI), concluded the “AI Against Cervical Cancer: A Call to Action to Build the First Philippine Cervical Image Bank and Expand Affordable HPV-DNA Access” on 17 November 2025.

Held in observance of the World Health Organization’s World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, the event aimed to unite experts and stakeholders in developing an AI-powered cervical screening framework that combines digital imaging and molecular testing to improve early detection, diagnostic accuracy, and access to life-saving prevention services for Filipino women.

 

The Cerv.ai team, together with DOST-ASTI Director Dr. Franz De Leon (center) and leading experts from medical and academic institutions, stands united with WHO in advancing the elimination of cervical cancer through accessible, technology-driven solutions.

 

The program convened key representatives from research institutions, academia, government agencies, and civil society organizations—including the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine General Hospital (PGH), University of the Philippines Manila College of Medicine, and professional groups such as the Philippine Society for Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy (PSCPC) and the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS). Also in attendance were members of the National Innovation Council (NIC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), civic organizations like Rotary International and the United Nations Association of the Philippines, women’s advocacy groups, and medical providers for HPV-DNA testing and distribution.

This diverse coalition engaged in collaborative discussions on establishing the country’s first Cervical Image Bank and exploring affordable HPV-DNA testing technologies. The event further aimed to drive continued dialogue, foster innovation, and align policies to harness emerging technologies—particularly artificial intelligence (AI)—in strengthening women’s health programs and advancing equitable, technology-driven healthcare solutions in the Philippines.

 

Dr. Jesus Randy “Bogs” Rivera highlights CerviQ–ECCPOI and DOST-ASTI’s AI-enabled strategies and proposed solution for cervical cancer elimination, in alignment with Cervical Cancer Elimination Day.

 

Dr. Franz A. de Leon, Director of DOST-ASTI started the morning session by underscoring the urgency of the initiative: “Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among Filipino women. Every year, about 8,500 women are diagnosed, and 4,300 die. That is roughly 11 lives lost every day from a disease that is almost entirely preventable,” he said.

A message of support from Dr. Leah J. Buendia, Undersecretary for Research and Development at DOST emphasized the deeper purpose behind establishing initiatives like this. “This program reminds us that technology, aside from it being a sign of progress, is also all about purpose,” she highlighted.

 

Dr. Natasha Alexis Marie G. Jacinto, Medical Officer III of the DOH Disease Prevention and Control Bureau–Cancer Control Program Division, delivers an online presentation on the cervical cancer burden in the Philippines.

 

The discussions then began with Dr. Natasha Alexis Marie G. Jacinto of the DOH’s Disease Prevention and Control Bureau - Cancer Control Program Division who emphasized cervical cancer as a pressing national health concern. This set the stage for an overview of the Cerv.ai Project, presented by Dr. Jesus Randy “Bogs” Rivera of CerviQ–ECCPOI.

 

Ms. Roxanne S. Aviñante, Project Leader of Cerv.ai, discusses integrating a locally developed Speculoscope, Cervical Image Bank, and HR HPV-DNA testing to advance AI-assisted cervical cancer screening.

 

Ms. Roxanne S. Aviñante, Senior Science Research Specialist at DOST-ASTI’s Computer Software Division, outlined the project’s objectives: to automate lesion detection and empower healthcare workers—including midwives—to identify cervical cancer at its earliest stages. She underscored the need for continuous innovation and policy alignment in leveraging emerging technologies like AI to strengthen women’s health initiatives.

A key challenge highlighted was the necessity of establishing a Philippine Cervical Image Bank, as high-quality datasets are critical for improving AI accuracy. Ms. Aviñante called on participating agencies and institutions to collaborate and support the project’s development through partnerships and resource sharing.

 

Dr. Cecilia Ladines-Llave, Obstetrics-Gynecologist specialist and Technical Adviser of SUCCESS for Asia Pacific, shares her insights during the plenary session of the multi-sectoral group discussion representing the government sector.

 

The afternoon session featured a dynamic plenary discussion among representatives from various institutions. “It must lead to timely, compassionate action. AI should always make screening smarter, more inclusive, efficient, and equitable,” stressed Dr. Cecilia Ladines-Llave.

Dr. Ria Liza Centeno-Canlas of the National Innovation Council added, “The elimination of cervical cancer through this project is a very good initiative, and it is also supported by the President of the Philippines under the Philippine Innovation Act.”

Closing the program, Ms. Joanna G. Syjuco remarked, “By building the Philippine Cervical Image Bank, we are not just using AI—we are humanizing technology.”

 

The DOST-ASTI Cerv.ai team, together with CerviQ-ECCPOI, medical experts, and civil society partners, is committed to ending cervical cancer through prevention.

 

By holding this event on World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action, the Philippines positions itself as a growing leader in harnessing AI for women’s health and as a nation committed to the WHO’s goal of eliminating cervical cancer. This is more than a statement—it marks the beginning of a national movement: one that unites science and compassion, data and dignity, innovation and community.