Cancer awareness, enhanced cancer care pushed
SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, as chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, personally attended the 5th Anniversary Celebration of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City.
“Bilang chair ng Senate Committee on Health, pinagtitibay natin ang ating paninindigan na hindi tayo basta-basta magpapatalo sa kanser. Simbolo ito ng ating pagkakaisa at determinasyong magbigay ng mas mataas na kalidad ng buhay sa bawat Pilipino. Nakatuon ito sa pagpapalawak ng edukasyon sa kanser at pagpapahusay ng mga pamamaraan sa screening ng ganitong sakit,” Go said.
This event not only marked half a decade since the enactment of NICCA but also served as a platform for launching the Philippine Integrated Cancer Control Strategic Framework for 2024 to 2028.
Since its enactment in 2019 under Republic Act No. 11215, which former president Rodrigo Duterte signed, the NICCA has been a cornerstone in the country’s health legislation, aiming to improve cancer care services and make them more accessible and affordable for Filipinos.
Meanwhile, the strategic framework for 2024 to 2028 sets its goals to raise cancer awareness and improve cancer care, including enhancing early detection and screening programs, expanding access to quality treatment and palliative care, and fostering a supportive environment for patients and their families.
It also aims to strengthen the healthcare system’s infrastructure and workforce to manage the growing cancer caseload in the country effectively.
Recognized as a “Cancer Warrior” during the Cancer Warrior PH Campaign launch last February 6, Senator Go stressed that the battle against cancer is a shared responsibility, and the new strategic framework represents a collective commitment to reducing the impact of this disease on Filipino families.
“At ang kanser sa katawan ay kanser rin sa bulsa ng sinumang Pilipino, kasama ang mayayaman at lalo na sa mga mahihirap. Kaya sa nakalipas na limang taon ay sinubukan nating gawing mas accessible ang mga serbisyong pangkalusugan lalo na pagdating sa kanser para maging mas abot-kaya ang pagpapagamot,” he added.
The senator also acknowledged the contributions of healthcare workers, volunteers, and advocates who have been at the forefront of this cause, calling them the true heroes in the fight against cancer.
In 2023, cancer ranked as the second primary cause of death for Filipinos, as reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority. The World Health Organization approximates an annual occurrence of 141,000 new cancer cases and 86,000 cancer-related deaths in the Philippines.
