Dagupan City, Pangasinan
May 23, 2025

“Hindi sapat na nasa Kamaynilaan lang ang pagamutan. Kailangan natin ilapit ang serbisyo na ito. Alam naman natin kung gaano kahirap ang bumiyahe, lalo na kapag may karamdaman. Kaya malaking bagay ang pagkakaroon ng kumpletong serbisyo dito sa lalawigan,” expressed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. when he led the official inauguration of the Region I Medical Center (R1MC) Cancer Institute in Dagupan City, Pangasinan.

The Cancer Institute is the newest facility of the R1MC dedicated to enhancing cancer care and strengthening the Universal Health Care (UHC) Program. It is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and offers multidisciplinary oncology services, including radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, brachytherapy, chemotherapy and palliative care.

“Noon pa man, sinabi ko na, kahit anong ganda ng ating ekonomiya, kahit gaano karami ang trabaho, o taas ng suweldo, hindi ito nararamdaman ng ating mga kababayan kung may iniindang sakit. Kaya tayo po ay nakatutok sa pagsasaayos at pagpapalakas ng ating healthcare system,” said the President in his remarks. He highlighted various government programs and projects aimed at not only providing high-quality cancer treatment but also advancing an accessible healthcare system in the country.

Apart from the ongoing construction of cancer centers nationwide — such as the newly opened Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Hospital Bagong Pilipinas Cancer Care Center in Pampanga — the government aims to assist patients with their medical bills through the Cancer Assistance Fund, a support amounting to PhP150,000 which can be availed in various Department of Health (DOH)-accredited hospitals nationwide, including the R1MC.

However, the Chief Executive stressed that not all are aware of this program and tasked the DOH to intensify information campaigns by releasing a complete list of accredited hospitals offering the Cancer Assistance Fund across the country. He also called for faster processing of requests for the cancer fund.

Furthermore, he underscored the importance of early detection and treatment which could increase patients’ chances of recovery. To facilitate better and affordable check-ups, the government is constructing BUCAS (Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service) Centers in different parts of the country. These Centers will offer preventive check-ups and consultations, minor surgeries, immunization for both adults and children, dental services and more.

The public can also avail of free immunization against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) from the DOH which helps in preventing cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers. Additionally, the government continues to support research and studies on new technologies in fighting cancer.

Concluding his message, President Marcos Jr. expressed gratitude to all the healthcare workers and staff of R1MC for their courage, excellence and dedication in serving the people. “At para sa bawat pasyente — mga magulang na nagdadasal, mga anak na umaasa na pagalingin si nanay o si tatay — hindi po kayo nag-iisa. Kaagapay ninyo kami sa laban na ito. Sama-sama tayong magpagaling at magtatagumpay,” he ended.

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