Mug-making at MSD Philippines’ “Because She Can” event. Courtesy of NGP-IMC
In one afternoon, MSD Philippines showed women how to make mugs and be in control of their lives and health.
At the Common Ground, Rockwell, women from all stages of life came together for an afternoon about women’s wellness. In a creative wellness experience titled “Because She Can” by MSD Philippines, the organization continued its Guard Against HPV campaign with a mug-making workshop while tackling women’s health and HPV.
As participants learned to shape their own mugs from clay, each reflected on their daily challenges and the importance of self-care while pursuing goals and supporting others.
“Women often carry many responsibilities at work, at home, and within their communities,” says Dr. Mary Ann Galang-Escalona, Country Medical Lead of MSD in the Philippines. “In the process of caring for others, it’s easy for women to overlook their own well-being. But protecting one’s health is essential to continuing to show up for the people and the dreams that matter most.”
Aside from personal reflections, the workshop also served as a vehicle for discussions on health, particularly HPV and cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, but many women still lack the information and awareness to safeguard their health. According to the Philippine Commission on Women, approximately 7,897 new cases are diagnosed each year in the Philippines, with 12 women losing their lives to the disease daily. It is also the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Filipino women, especially for those who are between the ages of 15 and 44.
Which is why, according to Dr. Galang-Escalona, it is important to empower women with knowledge. “Cervical cancer prevention begins with awareness,” she says. “When women understand the risks and the preventive options available to them, they are better equipped to make informed decisions about their health. These conversations are important not only for women themselves but also for the families and communities that depend on them.”
By the end of the workshop, participants had a mug that reflected their image, reminding them that they, too, are capable of shaping their lives, just as they had molded the clay. A simple way to show that women can do anything while protecting their health.
To learn more about HPV and cervical cancer prevention, visit the Guard Against HPV website.
