Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
by Miriam G.Desacada
TaCongress has earmarked another ₱2.5 billion in funding for cancer prevention and patient care, strengthening the country’s response to a disease that claims nearly 100 Filipino lives every day, House Minority Leader and 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan said Sunday.
Under the 2026 General Appropriations Act, Congress allocated another ₱1.5 billion for the Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF) and ₱1 billion for the Cancer Control Program (CCP), according to Libanan.
“Both the CAF and the CCP are lifelines for cancer patients fighting for survival. This fresh funding means earlier detection, faster treatment, and better care—especially for patients who cannot afford it,” Libanan said.
Although a lawyer by profession, Libanan also holds a degree in medical technology. He is also proponent of a House bill that would establish a Centralized Patient Record System to improve healthcare delivery nationwide.
The country is observing National Cancer Awareness Month this February.
The CAF provides direct financial support for cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and laboratory services, benefiting patients, survivors, and individuals at high risk.
The fund is accessible through Department of Health (DOH)-run hospitals and public cancer centers nationwide.
“No Filipino should have to delay cancer treatment because of cost. The CAF ensures that help is available when it’s needed most,” Libanan said.
Meanwhile, the CCP focuses on prevention and long-term care, including the procurement of medicines, supportive therapy, and palliative services.
“Cancer patients need continuous care, pain management, and dignity throughout treatment,” Libanan added.
The DOH has identified priority cancer types such as breast, lung, liver, childhood, gynecologic, head and neck, colorectal, prostate, kidney, and bladder cancers, which account for a large share of cancer-related deaths.
Cancer remains the country’s second leading cause of death, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority, with an average of 96 deaths daily and 184 cases diagnosed per 100,000 population.
