MANILA, March 9 -- The Philippine government is committed to providing Filipino women essential services to improve their health and well-being, the Department of Health (DOH) said as it joined the country in celebrating the National Women's Month.

In a statement on Saturday, the DOH said breast and cervical cancers are among the pressing health issues Filipino women face today.

The DOH said early detection of these cancers through sound screening programs and management at primary level is an inspiration for its Bagong Urban Care and Ambulatory Service (BUCAS) centers.

By 2028, the agency said it hopes to open 28 centers and serve the poorest sector.

The centers will also have mammogram, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) screeni...