Fighting the Big C
One of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity all over the world is cancer, with data from the World Health Organization revealing that approximately 18.1 million new cases and 9.6 million deaths are estimated for 2018.
In the Philippines, the “Big C” remains a national concern, which is why the approval on third and final reading of Senate Bill 1850, also known as the National Integrated Cancer Control Act sponsored by Sen. JV Ejercito, comes as a very welcome development, especially for marginalized Filipinos.
According to Ejercito, cancer is the third leading cause of adult death in the Philippines and the fourth in child morbidity. The bill, he says, seeks to address various gaps in cancer care and integrate policies and programs for its prevention, detection, correct diagnosis, treatment and palliative care, among others.
The selection committee. (From left) PCS board of trustees member Dr. Kelly Salvador, Bulgari and Hermes country manager Mario Katigbak, Tanzania Consul Betty Chua, Marian Ong with grandson Santiago Nuguid, Consul Helen Ong, Antonio Ma. Guerrero, Consul Agnes Huibonhoa, Mabel Abaño, Roy Gonzales, Roselle Rebano and Johhny Litton.
Sen. Sonny Angara, who is co-sponsor of the bill, noted in his sponsorship speech, “Cancer pushes Filipino families deeper into poverty. The associated costs of screening and treatment are catastrophic. The economic burden imposed is overwhelming.”
Groups such as the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS) have been working hard to address the burden of the illness by conducting information and awareness campaigns on the symptoms, causes and effects. The PCS also mounts fundraising activities, such as the “Men of Exemplary Influence” and the “Best Dressed Women of the Philippines” gala event held at the Okada Hotel.
According to Consuls Helen Ong and Agnes Huibonhoa who organized the event, they enlisted the help of the best of Philippine society’s upcoming taipans and prominent young achievers in the fight against the dreaded disease.
From Left: CATS Motors’ Felix Ang, Justice Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay Villar and PeopleAsia associate publisher Kevin Belmonte.
Good friends from the business and diplomatic circles as well as government who joined the cause included Sen. Sonny Angara; PeopleAsia associate publisher and philstar.com president and CEO Kevin Belmonte; CATS Motors president Felix Ang; and US Ambassador Sung Kim.
But more than the personalities, the glamour and the glittering gowns, the event stood out because it highlighted the collective efforts of the people and their compassion and support for the Philippine Cancer Society’s goal to make a difference in promoting better health care especially for cancer patients in the country.
From Left: Sen. Sonny Angara, Valerie Tan Wee and Maru Go.
