Last Updated on July 14, 2011 by jbgaray
TSPI joins the fight against breast cancer by partnering with the Philippine Foundation for Breast Care, Inc. (PFBCI) in its community-based Breast Health Project. Eduardo Mendoza, TSPI’s Executive Director, explains, “The project is in line with TSPI’s holistic approach in addressing the needs of the poor and in response to the clamor of its clients for broader access to health services.”
TSPI and PFBCI Signing Event for Breast Care Project
With over 170 branches nationwide and more than 270,000 clients, 90% of which are women, TSPI is making available not just to its female clients but to other women in its community of operation training on breast examination and diagnosis, free breast screening and discounted mammography with the help of PFBCI “Boobie” programs. However, over the long term, the partnership envisions to raise a pool of community volunteers for PFBCI who are equipped to serve as breast care advocates and who are, themselves, able to train others in their community on early detection of breast cancer. On the other hand, TSPI, with its competence in microfinancing, will provide existing qualified community partners of PFBCI access to its microfinance products and services, and promote the project among its target beneficiaries.
“Breast cancer has been the leading cause of women’s death in the Philippines. In fact, the Philippines has the ninth highest incidence rate of breast cancer in the world. Our vision is to promote awareness of the disease and to provide the means to prevent them. Prevention and early detection can help save lives,” says Dr. Florentino Doble, PFBCI’s founder.
The signing of the partnership agreement was held last June 22, 2011 at the TSPI Head Office in Makati City, led by Mr. Eduardo A. Mendoza, TSPI Executive Director, Dr. Hector M. Santos, PFBCI Chairman, and Dr. Florentino C. Doble, PFBCI Founding member. The activity was also graced by PFBCI’s President, Ms. Maria Lourdes Cortez and various PFBCI volunteers. Members of TSPI’s Central Management Team were also present during the ceremony namely, Mr. Vic Libunao, Chief Operations Officer-Group B, Ms. Eleanor So, Chief Operations Officer-Group A, Ms. Susan Trinidad, General Manager of the TSPI Mutual Benefit Association, Inc., Ms. Jennifer Bufi, HRMS Deputy Director, Ms. Tess Perfecto, Deputy Director for Strategic Research and Planning Services and Ms. Lyn Onesa, Director for Social and Enterprise Development Services. The Community Development Group, led by its Program Manager, Ms. Maria Baylon, is responsible for arranging the partnership with PFBCI.