MSD in the Philippines’ Run Against Cervical Cancer (RACC) has been recognized at the 61st Anvil Awards, earning a Silver Anvil under the PR Tools – Special Events and Exhibits category, for transforming a fun run into a meaningful platform for health advocacy and collective action toward cervical cancer elimination.
The award, which recognized MSD’s contribution to strengthening community awareness and action against cervical cancer, was received by Andreas Riedel, President and Managing Director of MSD Philippines, together with Dr. Mary Ann Galang-Escalona, Country Medical Lead, and select leaders of the program team.
This year, the Anvil Awards drew over 600 entries from 193 organizations, making the competition one of the most dynamic and closely watched in Anvil history, underscoring the significance of the recognition received by RACC.
The event brought together over a thousand participants, including families, survivors, healthcare professionals, advocates, local government units, and partners, united by a shared commitment to raise awareness and inspire action to help protect more Filipinas against cervical cancer–which continues to claim the lives of 12 Filipinas every day.
In a country where stigma and misinformation often limit conversations on human papillomavirus (HPV) and women’s health, the strong turnout signaled a growing willingness among communities to engage, learn, and act.
“Run Against Cervical Cancer aimed to engage the broader community of health advocates and fitness enthusiasts of all ages, to demonstrate solidarity with patients and survivors ,” said Riedel.
“We are thankful to the medical community, leaders from the government, healthcare partners, patient advocacy groups, health champions, and all the runners who have helped us successfully raise awareness and understanding, especially among the youth.”
Cervical cancer is caused by the HPV and is one of the few cancers that can be prevented through vaccination and regular screening, and managed through timely treatment.
Through RACC, MSD in the Philippines reinforced a clear message: everyone has a role to play in addressing cervical cancer, and collective action can make elimination a reality.
RACC forms part of MSD’s sustained commitment to supporting cervical cancer elimination in the Philippines, aligned with the World Health Organization’s 90-70-90 strategy.
Beyond a single event, MSD continues to collaborate with government partners, healthcare professionals, patient advocates, and communities to help expand awareness, improve access to prevention, and encourage timely care.
By turning movement into meaning, the Run Against Cervical Cancer demonstrated how collective action can help build a future where cervical cancer is no longer a threat to Filipinas.
