Muntinlupa City barangay health workers (BHWs) underwent “Training on Clinical Breast Examination and Introduction to Patient Navigation” on September 30 and October 1, 2025 as part of the city’s Ating Dibdibin program for breast cancer control.
Ating Dibdibin or “Take Your Breast Care To Heart”, is a comprehensive community-based breast cancer screening program. The program teaches early breast cancer detection techniques so breast cancer is diagnosed at an early stage.
In partnership with the Gender and Development Office and the City Health Office of Muntinlupa, ICANSERVE Foundation reoriented 28 BWHs on how to correctly conduct clinical breast examination using breast models (MammaCare kits) in a workshop facilitated by Dr. Cecille Montales. They were also introduced to Patient Navigation and went to a study tour in Taguig City, which showcased its cancer control programs and best practices on Patient Navigation.
Muntinlupa adopted Ating Dibdibin in 2014 while Taguig started with Ating Dibdibin in 2012. The program aims to save lives by teaching early breast cancer detection techniques through free forums and screening sessions. Should anyone be diagnosed with a suspicious lump during the screening, the Ating Dibdibin program provides access to financial help for diagnostics and treatment.
ICanServe trains the locality’s medical team, including those interested medical professionals in the private sector on early breast cancer detection techniques. Intensive focus is on training of BHWs, or the community health workers, the front-liners to the community.
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- Ating Dibdibin progam manager Teocel Apolona addresses BHWs in Muntinlupa City
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- A Muntinlupa BHW asks a question during training
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- Ms. Trina Biazon, head of the Gender and Development Office of Muntinlupa City, with trainors and trainees
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- Muntinlupa BHWs say (kamay sa dibdib): Ating Dibdibin
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- Dr. Cecille Montales welcomes Muntinlupa City Health Officer Dr. Carolyn Magalong and Muntinlupa BHWs to a study tour of Taguig
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- Dr. Cecille Montales talks about Ating Dibdibin in Taguig
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- From left: ICANSERVE Administrative Coordinator Haidee Esquivel, ICANSERVE volunteer Veck Arjona, Ating Dibdibin Program Manager Teocel Apolona, ICANSERVE volunteer Quenee Bulan, Taguig City assistant city health officer for Technical Planning Dr. Olivia Mariano Andaya with Taguig City patient navigators
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- Muntinlupa BHWs with Taguig City patient navigators at the study tour
