FIRST NATIONAL CANCER PATIENT CONGRESS

To communicate and advance the objectives of the newly enacted National Integrated Cancer Control Act, Cancer Coalition Philippines (CCPH) recently held its first National Cancer Patient and Survivors Congress at the AFP Theatre in Camp Aguinaldo. Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco T. Duque III led the event where he reiterated the DOH’s full support and commitment to the implementation of the newly enacted cancer control law. The Congress, themed, “Stronger Together,” emphasized the importance of amplifying the patient voice supported by strong multi-stakeholder collaboration in the execution of the Cancer Act. The goal of the new law is to make cancer diagnosis, treatment and care more equitable and affordable for patients of all ages, and for all types and stages of cancer, by establishing a Cancer Assistance Fund, a Philippine Cancer Center while expanding PhilHealth benefits. Photo shows Sec. Duque (center) while joining hands with cancer patients, survivors and convenors of CCPH in a unification ceremony to signify their commitment to end the cancer burden among Filipinos. Sec. Duque is joined by the core group of CCPH made up of Jojo Flores of Carewell Community Foundation; Romi Marcaida of Philippine Cancer Society; Dr. Claire Soliman, Philippine Society of Medical Oncology; Paul Perez of Project: Brave Kids, Inc.; Menchie Auste of Cancer Warriors; Rachel Rosario of Philippine Cancer Society; Orly Oxales of Citizen Watch; Oliver Calasanz, also of Carewell Community Foundation; and Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala of ICan Serve Foundation. The CCPH is a multi-stakeholder organization that has helped provide the groundwork in the creation of Cancer Act’s guidelines and policies.