Tingog Party-list Rep​. Jude Acidre ​is calling for improved cancer care in the Philippines, which he says is not only about building hospitals but also about coordinated efforts that prioritize accessibility, affordability and compassionate support for every patient.

"Fighting cancer is more than just medical treatment—it’s about making sure no Filipino faces this battle alone," Acide said during a panel discussion as he pushed for a holistic and patient-centered approach to cancer care.

Acidre ​cited the stark disparity in access ​to cancer care between urban and rural areas​. He said many patients from the provinces face long and costly journeys just to receive specia​lized care.

“For many Filipinos, specialized cancer treatment is out of reach—either too far, too expensive, or too complicated to navigate,” he ​said.

For this reason, he said Tingog has actively supported the development of regional cancer centers, including the Benjamin T. Romualdez Cancer Center in Manila, and the Eastern Visayas Cancer Center in Tacloban​.

"They are not just buildings—they represent a fundamental shift in how we deliver cancer care, ensuring that no Filipino is left behind​," he said.

Beyond accessibility, Acidre ​also underscored the financial toll of cancer treatment, noting that for many families, a cancer diagnosis can lead to crushing debt or complete financial ruin.

“Cancer doesn’t just weaken the body—it can wipe out a family’s savings. This funding ensures that patients can focus on getting well without being burdened by overwhelming costs,” he said.

​He also stressed that patient navigation was just as important as treatment itself, particularly for families who find the healthcare system overwhelming and difficult to navigate.

Acidre warned that late detection remains a silent killer, with many Filipinos discovering their illness only when it is already at an advanced stage.

“By investing in prevention and early diagnosis, we can significantly increase survival rates and reduce the burden of late-stage cancer cases,” he noted.

​Meanwhile, Acidre also underscored the need to shorten the gap between research and patient access when it comes to life-saving cancer drugs.

​T​hus, the party-list also strongly support​s the passage of the Pharmaceutical Innovation Act, a proposed measure aimed at streamlining clinical trials, cutting red tape in regulatory approvals, and accelerating the availability of innovative medicines for Filipino patients.

“The fight against cancer does not end at diagnosis. It requires access to the latest, most effective treatments—and that means ensuring Filipino patients don’t have to wait years to benefit from medical breakthroughs,” Acidre said.

The measure, if passed, would enhance public-private collaboration in pharmaceutical research while ensuring that innovative treatments remain affordable, giving cancer patients a real chance at better outcomes.

​Acidre called on health leaders, policymakers, and advocates to work together toward building a truly inclusive cancer care system, where access and quality care do not depend on wealth or location.

“This fight is not just about better hospitals or bigger budgets—it is about ensuring that every Filipino, regardless of their location or financial status, gets the care they deserve,” Acidre said.

He urged all sectors to commit to real and lasting action to make comprehensive cancer care not a privilege for a few, but a right for all.