QUEZON CITY — Quezon City has become the first city to introduce an integrated cancer control policy following Mayor Joy Belmonte’s signing of an ordinance designed to support cancer patients and their families.
The Quezon City Integrated Cancer Control Ordinance (QCICCO) will provide cancer control coordinators, a patient navigation and referral system, and a local cancer registry for city residents.
“Many Filipinos are still unaware of the benefits that [the National Integrated Cancer Control Program] has institutionalized, such as the Cancer Assistance Fund and other financing mechanisms. Our ordinance will facilitate access to these resources,” said Congressman Alfred Vargas, the ordinance’s author.
“With the QCICCO, we will be able to address a major health concern,” Vargas added.
The ordinance aims to “bring back hope” to cancer patients and their families.
In 2023, cancer accounted for 10.4% of deaths in the Philippines, making it the second leading cause of death in the country, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
“The ordinance weaves together the mandates and resources of various departments and offices of the local government, such as the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office, Social Services Development Department, among others. At the same time, it enhances the capacity of the City Health Department,” Vargas said.
“No one should feel hopeless because of a cancer diagnosis. This disease should not be a death sentence,” he added.