Cancer continues to be a significant cause of mortality and financial burden for Filipinos, with more than 150,000 new cases reported annually. Because of this, the need to build a strong national cancer care ecosystem is paramount, as discussed during the 2025 Philippine National Cancer Summit (PNCS) held on Feb 27-28 at Novotel Araneta City.
Building Resilient Cancer Care
Organized by the Philippine College of Surgeons Cancer Commission (PCS CANCOM) Foundation, together with Cancer Coalition Philippines and the Philippine Cancer Society, this year’s gathering brought together 2,500 attendees including patients, doctors, survivors, representatives from government and advocacy groups, and industry leaders to discuss pressing issues in local cancer care.
This year’s theme was Stronger Philippines: Building a Resilient Cancer Care Ecosystem. While the summit’s various symposiums acknowledged the gaps that exist in Philippine cancer healthcare, there is much to look forward to.
The five urgent priorities identified by the summit are:
- Expanding the Cancer Care Ecosystem. Strengthening regional cancer networks, integrating local hospitals and barangay health workers, and improving early detection efforts.
- Ensuring Affordable and Equitable Access. Accelerating PhilHealth’s cancer coverage reforms to provide faster, fairer, and more responsive financial support.
- Advancing Innovation and Research. Expanding the use of precision medicine, immunotherapy, AI-driven diagnostics, and telehealth solutions.
- Implementing Data-Driven Standards. Establishing a National Cancer Registry to guide evidence-based policies and improve healthcare planning.
- Building a Culture of Cancer Prevention. Strengthening public awareness campaigns on screening, vaccination, and early detection to reduce cancer incidence.
Free cancer screening was also done courtesy of the Philippine Cancer Society’s mobile cancer screening bus throughout the event, as well as educational interactive exhibits.
A Future Beyond Diagnosis
Opening the summit was Rhoel de Leon, MD, President of the Philippine College of Surgeons, who described cancer as a disease that can strike anyone regardless of age, gender, or standing in life, and that overcoming it requires everyone to work together. “Let’s make our resolve firmer. Together we can make a difference,” he said.
Quezon City mayor Joy Belmonte expressed that it was the city’s honor to host the summit once again. “Let’s redefine the fight against cancer together!” she added.
Department of Interior and Local Government Assistant Secretary Lilan M. De Leon added that, “We need everyone’s involvement in the quest against cancer. We urge our cancer care partners to be one with the government in actively providing cancer care and achieving health for all.”
Other keynote speeches were heard from Department of Health secretary Ted J. Herbosa, MD, (delivered by Manuel Francisco Roxas, MD, PCS CANCOM Chair), and PhilHealth President and CEO Edwin M. Mercado, MD.
In her keynote speech, Senator Risa Hontiveros called for the need for more accessible cancer care for Filipinos. “It is through gatherings like the Philippine National Cancer Summit that we can learn to treat not just cancers of people but cancers of society,” she said. “Kabilang na dito ang presyo ng pagpapagamot.”
Cancer survivor and advocate Melissa De Leon-Joseph brought her experience of the disease to realign everyone towards the heart of the matter. “There is life after cancer. There is a future beyond diagnosis. Help us on this.”
No One Fights Alone
Over the two-day summit, various sessions took a look at the developments in enacting the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA); the latest trends in cancers that affect women; how to provide holistic care for people with cancer, including for long-term survivorship and monitoring; and more.
Other sessions explored the roles of other professions in cancer care, such as the role of media in dispelling medical misinformation, the importance of pharmacists in patient-centered cancer care, and how research and data management can improve cancer care.
Featured guests included PCS CANCOM Director and ICANSERVE Foundation’s Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala, Philippine Cancer Society president Corazon Ngelangel, MD., and PCS CANCOM Director, and Society of Gynecologic Oncologists of the Philippines head Jean Anne B. Toral, MD.
Both speakers and attendees shared the challenges of facing cancer with hope and dignity, as well as expressed frustrations over difficulties in accessing equitable care.
“The story of survival is a reminder that what we do here matters,” said Congressman Jude Acidre at the Collaborative Action for a Stronger Cancer Care Ecosystem: Moving Forward session.
“A resilient cancer care ecosystem is not just about better hospitals or funding. It is about making sure that no Filipino fights this battle alone.”
A resilient cancer care ecosystem isn’t just about taking care of patients and their families when they are ill. It is an important component of nation-building , ensuring that a strong support system exists for Filipinos looking to live their healthiest, happiest life.
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