By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. inaugurated the new Bagong Pilipinas Cancer Care Center at the OFW Hospital in Pampanga.
Marcos noted that cancer is the second leading cause of death in the country, citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
He emphasized that this alarming statistic prompted the government to take more aggressive action.
“Aggressive as this terrible disease is, we need to be equally aggressive in providing treatment for our patients — giving them hope, providing them with care, making them feel right at home at the time they need it most,” the President said.
“This is why the hospital’s second floor will be dedicated to the Bagong Pilipinas Cancer Care Center. While this vision is clear, we acknowledge that much work remains to ensure that this facility is equipped to serve those in need,” he added.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the new cancer care center is expected to accommodate 64 patients and will offer various treatment modalities, including chemotherapy, diagnostic and staging services, and surgical oncology, among others.
Construction of the facility is set to begin in January 2025 and is anticipated to be completed by November 2025.
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