Speaker Lord Allan Velasco. INQUIRER file photo / Niño Jesus Orbeta
MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives will push for adequate funding for the implementation of the National Integrated Cancer Control (NICC) Act when the proposed budget for 2021 reaches the bicameral conference committee, Speaker Lord Allan Velasco said Wednesday.
Velasco underscored the importance of the law, saying that it could help make cancer treatment and care “more equitable and affordable” for the public.
“The importance of this law and its full implementation cannot be overstated. We have to make sure that it is sufficiently funded so it could effectively serve its purpose of strengthening government efforts to combat cancer and increasing the fighting chance of patients to overcome the disease,” Velasco said in a statement.
The NICC Act, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2019, established the National Integrated Cancer Control Program which serves as the framework for all cancer-related activities of the government.
The program seeks to decrease the overall mortality and impact of all adult and childhood cancer as well as lessen the incidence of preventable cancer in adults and children. The program also aims to prevent cancer recurrence, metastasis and secondary cancer among survivors and people living with cancer.
Citing a study conducted by the University of the Philippines Institute of Human Genetics, Velasco said that 189 of every 100,000 Filipinos are afflicted with cancer while 96 cancer patients die every day.
However, Velasco said cancer treatment could be very costly.
Citing the Cancer Coalition Philippines, Velasco said a breast ultrasound could range from P600 to as high as P3,000 depending on the hospital while a colonoscopy could cost from P1,500 to around P14,000 exclusive of professional fees.
Depending on the type of cancer, chemotherapy cost per session can range from P20,000 to P120,000 or more, Velasco said.
“Certainly, the economic burden of cancer care and treatment is overwhelming and it has the potential to drive Filipino families deeper into poverty,” the House Speaker said.
Earlier, Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte asked Congress to ensure that there are enough funds to help cancer patients.
“My Mom is a cancer survivor. Diagnosed in 2016 and successfully recovered more than a year after treatment and long-term survivorship transitions. It is our duty to provide help to every fellow citizen to our best. Give them a second chance to live,” Rep. Duterte said.