Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman today, February 23, announced significant headways made by the Marcos Jr Administration in public oncology financing through the implementation of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA).
Secretary Pangandaman made the remarks at the opening program of the “Fourth Philippine National Cancer Summit” organized by the Philippine College of Surgeons Cancer Commission Foundation and the Cancer Coalition Philippines.
The DBM Secretary underscored that the Marcos Jr Administration puts a premium on boosting the health of Filipinos and strengthening the capacity of our healthcare system, with a P327.2 billion budget allocation for the health sector representing a 17 percent increase from 2022 levels.
“Rest assured that the Department of Budget and Management is one with you in realizing our aspirations for a cancer-free Philippines. Never lose hope,” Sec. Pangandaman said.
“Whenever I see patients, lalo na ‘yung mga bata, may kurot sa puso ko. Minsan, hindi ko mapigilan umiyak. But I know in my heart that I need to be strong. And I remain strong in finding better ways to give them all the help and support they need,” she added.
Under this budget, Secretary Pangandaman said the National Government has allocated billions of pesos for the National Integrated Cancer Control Program (NICCP) and the Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF) noting that many Filipino families, even those in the upper income brackets, are vulnerable to catastrophic health spending due to high treatment costs.
“We have allocated P1.06 billion for the National Integrated Cancer Control Program to provide funding and support for cancer control activities… Meanwhile, some P500 million is allotted for the Cancer Assistance Fund, which shall complement existing financial support mechanisms like the Philhealth coverage and Malasakit funds,” Sec. Pangandaman said.
The Budget Secretary likewise cited the P100.2 billion allocation for the National Health Insurance Program; P32.63 billion for the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially-Incapacitated Patients; P26.81 billion for the Health Enhancement Facilities Program; P16.95 billion for the implementation of the National Health Workforce Support System; among others.
“Just this month, the NEDA Board Investment Coordination Committee also approved the P6 billion UP-PGH Cancer Center which will house 300 beds, providing a bigger facility with better technologies for cancer patients,” Sec. Pangandaman added.
The Philippines observes February as Cancer Awareness Month.
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