A WORLD-CLASS cancer treatment is now within reach, thanks to the dedication and support of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, House Committee on Appropriations Chairman Zaldy Co of Ako Bicol Partylist, and other government officials.

Philippine Cancer Center Director Alfonso Nuñez III expressed his profound gratitude to the Marcos administration and the Philippine Congress during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a 20-story Cancer Center building in Quezon City.

Joined by legislators, honored guests, cancer supporters, warriors, caregivers, and donors, Nuñez underscored the collective effort in ensuring world-class cancer treatment accessible to every Filipino.

“Today marks the beginning of a commitment to ensure world-class cancer treatment within the reach of every Filipino,” Nuñez said in his speech during the groundbreaking ceremony.

Nuñez extended his gratitude and appreciation to President Marcos and his administration for prioritizing healthcare initiatives.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the present administration and government for prioritizing healthcare initiatives and providing visionary leadership,” he said.

He also recognized the pivotal role of Speaker Romualdez, Co, and other members of the House of Representatives in securing funds for the construction of the cutting-edge cancer facility.

“To the Speaker of the House, Speaker Romualdez, to the Congress, to our Chief Executives, and the Department of Health, your unwavering advocacy and resource allocation have made this dream a reality,” Nuñez said.

The Speaker was flanked by several other lawmakers, led by Co.

Nuñez also acknowledged the contributions of various stakeholders.

“The Philippine Cancer Center also thanks the National Integrated Cancer Control Council, medical societies, patient advocates for their invaluable expertise, guidance, and tireless efforts in shaping the development of this center,” he said.

“With our combined efforts and aspirations, we hold firm in our belief that the Philippine Cancer Center will pave the way towards a future where every Filipino facing cancer is provided with the care, support, and hope they rightfully deserve,” Nuñez added.

The Cancer Center will complete the medical center built during the first Marcos administration, where specialty hospitals are close to each other: the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, the Philippine Heart Center, the Lung Center, and the Philippine Children’s Medical Center.

Menchie Auste-Sarmiento, vice president of the Cancer Coalition Philippines and CEO of the Cancer Warriors Foundation, hailed the Philippine Cancer Center as a potential “legacy project” of President Bongbong Marcos.

Auste-Sarmiento highlighted the significant expansion of the center from its initial plan as a six-story building to a towering 20-story structure, a testament to the growing demand for comprehensive cancer care in the country.

She attributed this remarkable expansion to the unwavering vision and commitment of government officials and healthcare advocates, who diligently secured the necessary support and funding.

Auste-Sarmiento gave special recognition to Speaker Romualdez and Chairman Co, whom she lauded as stalwart cancer “champions” within the legislature, for their pivotal roles in advancing this crucial healthcare initiative.

Other officials and lawmakers who attended the ground breaking ceremony include Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin, a former health secretary; Quezon City Reps. Marvin Rillo, Ralph Tulfo, and Franz Pumaren, Quezon City Vice Mayor Gian Carlo Sotto, Health Assistant Secretary Ariel Valencia, and Philhealth Corp. president Emmanuel Ledesma Jr.