The City Government of Carmona, Cavite on October 5, 2026 signed a memorandum of agreement with the ICanServe Foundation to introduce Ating Dibdibin, its community-based breast cancer control program. Led by Mayor Dr. Dahlia A. Loyola, the city aims to help more women detect breast cancer early, access timely diagnosis and treatment, and find support throughout their care.
Carmona’s partnership followed a study visit to Taguig City, led by Dr. Cecille Montales, an ICanServe Foundation board member and a longstanding Ating Dibdibin partner. Inspired by what they learned, Mayor Loyola and her team moved quickly, formalizing the partnership with the ICanServe Foundation within a month. “We want women in Carmona to know where to turn when they have a breast health concern, and to have the support they need to reach the right care. This partnership is an important step toward making that possible,” said Mayor Loyola.
Introduced in 2008, with Marikina as its first local government partner, Ating Dibdibin — or “Take Your Breast Care to Heart” — now has eight partner cities nationwide. Carmona follows
Panabo City in Davao province (2010), Taguig City (2012), Muntinlupa City (2014), Tagum City and San Juan City (both 2020), and Baguio City (2025). The program works with local governments to strengthen breast health education and screening, train healthcare professionals and barangay health workers, and connect women to timely diagnosis, treatment, patient navigation, financial assistance and supportive care.
More than a one-time screening initiative, Ating Dibdibin aims to build sustainable local programs supported by government policies, funding and partnerships that help make breast cancer care accessible year-round. “No woman should have to find her way through breast cancer care alone. Ating Dibdibin helps cities build that path — from early detection to treatment and support — and make it available for the women who come after,” said Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala, founding president of the ICanServe Foundation.
As part of its commitment to community support, Carmona also launched the Breasties Advocacy Club of Carmona, Cavite, led by president Marivic Bordeos. The group aims to connect women affected by breast cancer with survivors and others who understand their experience, building a local network of peer support. Its formation underscores the importance of survivor involvement in helping women navigate breast cancer and strengthening care at the community level.
For the ICanServe Foundation the goal is not simply to bring Ating Dibdibin to more cities, but to reach more women — earlier, with better access to timely diagnosis, treatment and the support they need. Carmona’s partnership brings that goal closer to home.
To explore bringing Ating Dibdibin to your community, inquire by email (info@icanservefoundation.org), or send a message through the Foundation’s Facebook page.
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- From left: Carmona City Mayor Dr. Dahlia A. Loyola, ICANSERVE president Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala, and ICANSERVE board member Dr. Cecille Montales
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- Front, from left: City Health Officer Dr. Romer L. Aguinaldo; Mayor Dr. Dahlia A. Loyola; ICanServe Foundation founding president Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala; and Pagamutan Bayan ng Carmona OIC Lorelyn A. Peñano, RN. ICanServe also acknowledges Vice Mayor Cesar Ines, the City Council including Councilor Geraldine Reyes Maquinay, the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC), SK Federation, Gender and Development (GAD) Office, KaibiGAD Care, Pagamutan Bayan ng Carmona, the Breast Cancer Survivors and Warriors Support Group (KABOOBS), and the newly launched Breasties Advocacy Club of Carmona, led by Marivic Bordeos.
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- Breasties Advocay Club is the support group for those diagnosed under Ating Dibdibin in Carmona City
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- Local government leaders, ICanServe representatives and survivor advocates come together to advance a shared goal: making breast cancer care more accessible in Carmona.
