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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Pinoys' fight vs cancer gets major boost from US deal, says Romualdez 

Pinoys' fight vs cancer gets major boost from US deal, says Romualdez 

Published Nov 17, 2023 03:59 am

At A Glance

  • House Speaker Martin Romualdez has hailed the "significant stride" in the Filipinos' fight against cancer that was taken during President Marcos' ongoing trip in the United States (US). 

ben-mater-lA-wfuq-7CQ-unsplash.jpg(Unsplash)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez has hailed the "significant stride" in the Filipinos' fight against cancer that was taken during President Marcos' ongoing trip in the United States (US).

Signed on Wednesday (US time), with Marcos as a witness, was the memorandum of agreement between Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc. (AC Health) with Varian Medical Systems Netherland B.V. and Varian Medical Systems Philippines, Inc.

The deal calls for thek development of oncology clinics in the Philippines and partnership on innovation and research to improve cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

“This collaboration between AC Health and Varian Medical Systems is a significant stride towards enhancing cancer care in our country," Romualdez said.

"By combining the strengths of a respected healthcare provider and a global leader in medical technology, this partnership forged under the administration of President Marcos is poised to create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of many Filipinos affected by cancer,” he added.

Under the agreement, the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital of AC Health will serve as the hub of a network of oncology clinics strategically located throughout Metro Manila. This hub-and-spoke model will make it easier for patients to access comprehensive cancer care, regardless of their location.

The parties to the agreement will also collaborate on research and innovation to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer, which is among the leading causes of death in the Philippines.

Cancer is the third leading cause of death in the Philippines this year, with about 141,021 new cancer cases and 86,337 cancer deaths every year.

“The potential benefits this groundbreaking agreement brings to Filipino cancer patients are aligned with the priorities the House of Representatives, which include initiatives to help victims of this dreaded disease in our country,” Romualdez said.

Romualdez said the partnership between AC Health and Varian is in line with the objectives of Republic Act (RA) No. 11215, or the National Integrated Cancer Control Act, enactedo in February 2019 as well as the initiatives of the House of Representatives againsto cancer.

Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives, is accompanying Marcos in the stateside trip, the main highlight of which is the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting.

Related Tags

Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Martin Romualdez
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