PH Consulate General in Hong Kong Advocates for Breast Health at Annual Pink Walk

The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, represented by its Gender and Development (GAD) Team during the Pink Walk for Breast Health on 20 October 2024 at Victoria Peak, Hong Kong. (Hong Kong PCG photo)

HONG KONG 31 October 2024 – In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in support for the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation (HKBCF), the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, led by its Gender and Development (GAD) Team, participated in HKBCF’s “Pink Walk for Breast Health 2024,” held on 20 October 2024 at The Peak, Hong Kong Island.

Now in its 19th year, the Pink Walk is HKBCF’s annual flagship fundraising event aimed at increasing public awareness of breast cancer while raising funds to support the Foundation’s initiatives. These initiatives are dedicated to promoting breast health through education and screening, offering support to breast cancer patients during their recovery, and advancing research and advocacy efforts.  

Nearly 2,000 participants including children and pets from over twenty (20) organizations donned pink attire, as they enjoyed a leisurely one and a half hour walk. The Pink Walk traversed the 3.5-kilometer Peak Circle Walk, starting from Lugard Road near The Peak Tower. The route winds around the highest point on Hong Kong Island, providing stunning views of the iconic Hong Kong skyline.

According to Dr. Ching Wai-kuen, Hospital Authority Director (Strategy & Planning), the breast cancer is the leading cancer among women in Hong Kong, with over 5,500 new cases reported in 2021 – a 63% increase compared to 2011. Furthermore, an estimated 72 Filipinos have been affected by the disease from 2022 to the present, based on data from the Filipino Migrants Cancer Support Society Hong Kong (FilMCaSS-HK), a support group composed of Overseas Filipino Workers advocating for cancer awareness, prevention and recovery.

Established on 8 March 2005, HKBCF is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to mitigating the threat of breast cancer to the local community. The Foundation has been a longstanding partner of the Consulate in providing free breast screening and mammogram for OFWs in Hong Kong.

The Philippine Consulate reaffirms its steadfast commitment to supporting health initiatives, raising awareness, emphasizing the crucial role of community involvement in the fight against breast cancer. END.

The guests including (from left to right) Ms. Joyce Lee, HKBCF Ambassador, Mrs. Shirley Chan, Vice Chairperson of Hong Kong Federation of Women, Dr. Hon. David Lam Tzit-yuen, Legislative Council Member for Medical and Health Services, Dr. Polly Cheung, Founder of HKBCF, Dr. Ching Wai-kuen, Hospital Authority Director (Strategy & Planning),Dr. Eliza Fok, Chairman of HKBCF, Hon. Chan Hoi-yan, Chairman of the Legislative Council’s Panel on Health Services, Ms. Sophia Kao, Honorary Advisor of HKBCF, Ms. Bernice Liu, HKBCF Ambassador, officiated the kick-off ceremony of ‘Pink Walk 2024’. (Photo courtesy of HKBCF)

Nearly 2,000 Pink Walkers gathered at the Peak for “Pink Walk 2024”. Participants made the pink ribbon gesture to spread awareness about breast health. (Photo courtesy of HKBCF)

For more information, visit https://www.hongkongpcg.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinHK/.