Advancing Women’s Health: UP Manila and Siemens Healthcare Elevates Mammography Skills of Philippine General Hospital Radiographers

June 04, 2026

Text by: Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos courtesy of: Siemens Healthcare Inc.

Representatives from the University of the Philippines Manila, the Philippine General Hospital, and Siemens Healthcare Inc. pose for a group photo during the Mammography Training Program, with UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Michael Tee (middle), highlighting their shared commitment to strengthening diagnostic imaging capacity and advancing breast cancer detection in the country.

To strengthen the advancement of diagnostic imaging capabilities in the country, the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila, through its Office of International and Local Linkages (OILL), partnered with Siemens Healthcare Inc. and the UP-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) to conduct a Mammography Training Program for UP-PGH radiographers. The training was formally launched from May 23 to 29, 2026, at the Unilab Auditorium, 6th Floor, Henry Sy Sr. Medical Science Building, UP Manila. A second batch composed of radiologic technologists and radiology residents is scheduled to undergo the same training on June 20 to 26, 2026.

Mammography is a medical imaging technique that uses low-dose X-ray technology to examine breast tissue. A mammogram is commonly used to help detect and diagnose breast cancer in women.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 1 in 13 Filipinos may develop breast cancer. The Department of Health (DOH) emphasizes that early detection plays a vital role in improving survival rates and achieving better health outcomes for women affected by the disease. DOH said that when breast cancer is detected early, survival rates can reach up to 99% for Stage 1 and more than 90% for Stage 2 cases.

In line with these pressing public health concerns, the Mammography Training Program aims to strengthen the skills of UP-PGH radiographers in early and accurate breast cancer detection, ultimately supporting improved diagnostic capacity and better patient outcomes.

Designed for radiographers with limited mammography knowledge as well as those seeking a refresher course, the program aims to provide participants with knowledge of basic mammography, tomosynthesis, and stereotactic biopsy. The course covers mammography history and technology, basic mammography views, physics of full-field mammography systems, stereotactic biopsy, tomosynthesis, image quality assessment, identification of image artifacts, patient positioning, and troubleshooting of image quality concerns.

The Mammography Training Program consists of two days of lectures and one day of on-site hands-on training using the MAMMOMAT Revelation system. Upon completion of the course, trainees are expected to understand the features of mammography equipment and the factors affecting image quality, perform routine and advanced mammography examinations and procedures, and demonstrate the ability to assess image quality, identify image artifacts, and perform corrective measures and troubleshooting when needed.

The training program was attended by key representatives from the partner institutions, reflecting strong collaboration among academia, industry, and clinical practice. From Siemens Healthcare Inc., participants included Finance Director Rosella Paula Villafuerte, Head of Customer Service Ana Lorraine Jones, along with Nina Angela Reyes, Ralph Arjay Pasia, Jireh Briones, Patricia Anne dela Cruz, Putri Djasmin, Angelo Sebastian, Joseph Villarama, Franklin Santos, and Beverly Chua. Representing the University of the Philippines Manila were Chancellor Michael Tee and OILL Director Vivien Fe Fadrilan-Camacho. From the Philippine General Hospital Department of Radiology, attendees included Vice Chair for External Linkages and Alumni Affairs Dr. Christine Sagpao; Chief Resident Dr. Christopher Pilarta; Chief Radiation Technologist Virginia Bembo; as well as Dr. Mico Morana and Dr. Heather Marie Derije.