𝐑𝐀𝐘𝐒 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐎𝐔𝐒 ‘𝟐𝟓, 𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐫𝐠𝐲. 𝐁𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫

In a continued effort to promote health awareness in underserved communities, the Radiating Association of Young Strategists (RAYS) held the 2025 installment of “ASEVEOUS: A Series of Movement with Various Phases for Breast Cancer” on July 16 in Brgy. Baganihan, Marilog District, Davao City.

The project, under the Community Engagement and Extension Services (CEES), aimed to increase breast cancer awareness and encourage early detection among residents.

Participants included local officials, barangay women, faculty members, student volunteers, and expert speakers in the field of radiologic technology.

In her opening remarks, Assistant CEES Coordinator Sandrie Antoy emphasized the life-saving impact of awareness.

“Breast cancer is real, and sadly, daghan ang madugay og pa check-up tungod sa kakulang sa kahibalo o kahadlok. That’s why we are here — to bring knowledge, not fear; to offer hope, not panic,” she said.

(Breast cancer is real, and sadly, many delay getting checked due to lack of awareness or fear. That’s why we are here — to bring knowledge, not fear; to offer hope, not panic.)

CEES Coordinator Gabrielle Vicente formally introduced the event by emphasizing the value of shared learning, underscoring that what the participants would gain from the session should not only serve their personal growth but also benefit their families and communities.

Keynote speaker Ralph Augustus framed the event as a purposeful movement filled with hope, passion and unity.

Moreover, speaker Francisco Sedillo detailed the nature, risk factors, symptoms, and stages of breast cancer, as well as methods for prevention, screening, and treatment.

“Ang awareness sa cancer nagsugod sa mga ginagmay nga lakang- pagsabot sa mga timailhan, mga risgo, ug pagtambayayong sa usag usa,” he emphasized.

(Cancer awareness begins with small steps: understanding the signs, recognizing the risks, and supporting one another.)

Fellow speaker Allyza Joyce Rodrigo reinforced the significance of practical knowledge, stressing that applying awareness within the community and extending help to patients fosters hope and courage in confronting illness.

The program included a pre-test and post-test to measure knowledge gains, followed by a Self-Breast Examination (SBE) workshop led by RAYS members and faculty volunteers.

Event organizers noted that many women in Brgy. Baganihan had limited access to healthcare services.

“Daghan pa og tribo nga nanginahanglan og tabang,” Vicente said.

(There are still many tribes that need help.)

She added that the project took months to organize due to logistical and coordination challenges.

Despite initial hesitancy from attendees, the organizers observed meaningful shifts in engagement.

“The warm smiles, the nods of understanding, the soft ‘salamat’; those little gestures showed us that the community appreciated what we brought to them,” Antoy said.

Vicente described the initiative as “a safe space” that empowered women to speak and be heard, noting that while trust wasn’t easily given, it held deep and lasting meaning.

The event concluded with a closing message from CEES faculty assistant moderator Trisha Pardillo, who expressed gratitude and reminded participants that Phase 1 is only the beginning.

Phase 2 of ASEVEOUS will focus on screening and follow-ups, while Phase 3 aims to establish a referral system in partnership with barangay health centers and local hospitals.

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