Speaker Martin Romualdez said the construction of the Philippine Cancer Center could prevent the deaths of thousands of Filipinos due to the disease, describing the soon-to-rise medical facility as a “sanctuary for healing and hope.”
Romualdez made the statement when he led the groundbreaking for the Cancer Center on Friday. He said the project is part of President Marcos’ mission to provide Filipinos with comprehensive, affordable, and accessible healthcare.
““Our aim is to transform cancer from a death sentence into a manageable condition that, when detected and treated early, can be overcome,” the Speaker said, noting that cancer is the second leading cause of death among Filipinos.
“We want to ensure strategic alignment with national cancer control plans, make treatment more equitable, affordable, and accessible, and improve the overall experience of cancer care for patients and their families,” he added.
The Cancer Center will be a 20-story, cutting-edge facility. It will complete the medical complexes 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.
The hospitals are all located along East Avenue and Quezon Avenue near Quezon City Memorial Circle and City Hall. Another government hospital, East Avenue Medical Center, is also in the area.
Also present during the ceremony were lawmakers and government officials led by House Committee on appropriations chairman Zaldy Co of Ako Bicol party-list group, and Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan, and other local government executives.
The House of Representatives, through Co’s panel, allocated the budget for the fixed assets and critical services of the facility as per Republic Act No. 11215 or the National Integrated Cancer Control Act and the Resource Stratified Framework set by the National Integrated Cancer Control Council.
Romualdez pointed out that he is also aware of the high cost of hospitalization and treatment. “Together, let’s build a future where cancer is no longer a feared enemy, but a challenge that, with compassion, dedication, and innovation, we can overcome,” he said.
The Speaker said the Cancer Center is “designed to me more than just a hospital,” as it was envisioned to serve as a comprehensive facility for the diagnosis, treatment, research, and support for patients dealing with cancer.
“Our goal is to redefine cancer treatment in the Philippines, integrating the latest medical advancements and fostering collaboration among specialists to provide a world-class environment for our patients,” Romualdez said.
He revealed that the center would also include housing facilities for relatives of cancer patients who are caring for them, and for doctors in the provinces who undergo training in the hospital. It will be constructed on a 5,000 square-meter lot inside the Blood Bank Complex in Quezon City.
Romualdez added that the building of a specialized cancer facility “marks a milestone not just in the history of healthcare in our nation, but in the lives of countless Filipinos whose battles against cancer have been long and arduous.”
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Speaker hails construction of PH Cancer Center as a ‘sanctuary for healing, hope.’”