BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – I Can Serve Foundation, Inc., in partnership with the City government of Baguio, Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC), and Rotary Club of Metro Baguio, spearheaded the conduct of a forum to guide cancer patients in accessing financial assistance for treatment.
Dubbed “Gabaypinansyal2024”: A Guide to Access Financial Assistance for Cancer Treatment” was conducted on August 7, 2024 at the BGHMC Cancer Center Training Hall. It was attended by at least 85 participants mostly cancer patients, and caregivers.
Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala, a cancer survivor and founder of I Can Serve Foundation, Inc. and co-convener of Cancer Coalition Philippines, an advocacy group that conducts breast cancer control programs, said one of their advocacies is to lobby for the full implementation of Republic Act No. 11215 or the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA). This act aims to save lives, improve the quality of life of cancer patients and survivors, and protect patients and their families from financial catastrophe.
“Ang goal sana zero ang out of pocket expenses,” she said. President Rodrigo Duterte signed in February 2019 RA No. 11215, “An Act Institutionalizing a National Integrated Cancer Control Program and Appropriating Funds Therefore.”
This aims to increase the rate of cancer survival and reduce the burden on patients and their families.
Alikpala said the law isn’t fully implemented yet, so the I Can Serve and other advocacy groups continue to urge the government to fast-track the full implementation of the NICCA.
She also encouraged participants to get a health check-up, and avail of cancer screening like breast, cervical, lung, colon, and prostate, even if nothing seems wrong.
“Kahit wala ho tayong nararamdaman, magpatingin na ho tayo, kung may cancer screening, kunin na natin, may mga cancer na puwedeng e screen o e test.” Alikpala emphasized that early detection means less treatment and better chances of survival.
Meanwhile, Dr. Kimberly Ubando, BGHMC Cancer Center head, said that five years since the signing of the NICCA and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, significant milestones have already been achieved. She cited the establishment of Cancer Centers, the expansion of Cancer and Supportive Palliative Medicines Access Program (CSPMAP) to cover other cancers, and the Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF) which not only fund medicines but the cost of cancer screening, early detection, diagnosis, and its care-related components, including the required diagnostics and laboratories.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong informed about a proposed one-stop shop to help breast cancer suspects and patients navigate through screening, prevention and treatment to be established soon at the Lions Club House. He also underscored the importance of massive information campaign on cancer awareness, the availability of programs being initiated by government and advocacy groups.
Carol Habawel from the Crisis Intervention Section of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-CAR shared the different types of assistance that can be availed by target beneficiaries.
City Social Welfare Officer Liza Bulayungan also shared the programs that can be accessed by cancer patients from Office of the City Social Welfare and Development Office.
Janet Palaez, head of PhilHealth Baguio field office shared updates on PhilHealth under the Universal Health Care Act.
Dr. Ernielle Dansel from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Baguio Branch office also informed how to access assistance from PCSO. She announced that effective August 1, 2024, requests for medical assistance can now be submitted online.
Representatives from the Malasakit Center also discussed updates, and the Cancer Assistance Fund. **MAWC/PIA-CAR
