Subang and CTU-Barili Empower Women Through Breast Cancer Awareness and Microbial Composting

Subang Community Affairs Department, in collaboration with Cebu Technological University - Barili Campus, conducted a breast cancer awareness and livelihood initiative on March 20, 2024 as part of the Women's Month celebration.

The activity brought together women from the Dakit Tubod Farmers Association in Barili, Cebu for a Breast Cancer Awareness Symposium followed by practical training in microbial composting.

The awareness session was delivered by Ruby Ann Munalem, a Junior Mission Volunteer of the Subang Community Affairs Department. The discussion focused on breast cancer awareness and the importance of early detection and prevention, providing participants with information they could bring back to their families and communities.

The second component of the activity introduced microbial composting as a practical livelihood and environmental management skill. Under the guidance of Subang Co-Adviser Dr. Danny E. Carabio, participants learned how organic waste can be processed through microbial composting to produce fertilizer.

The training connected environmental sustainability with livelihood development by demonstrating a practical approach to waste recovery that can produce a useful agricultural input. Starter kits were also provided to beneficiaries to support their continued application of the knowledge gained during the activity.

The initiative was supported by CTU-Barili Extension Office Director Dr. Clea Ann V. Corsiga, Gender and Development Office Director Mary Grace Flores, and CTU-Barili Campus Director Dr. Romeo C. Lepiten. Subang Community Affairs Department Vice-President Joshua Ray P. Calago and Deputy Director Jerecho Jose P. Sumalpong led the Subang team, with support from volunteers from other departments.

By bringing together health awareness, environmental education, and practical livelihood skills, the activity demonstrated a community development approach centered on knowledge, participation, and opportunities for women to apply new skills within their communities.