PIA Press Release
Monday, January 09, 2012

Mindanao cancer center inaugurated

TAGUM, Davao del Norte, Jan. 9 -- It embodies the public’s aspiration of a people-centered cancer treatment hub.

These were the words inscribed on the marker of the first cancer center in Mindanao named as “Nuclear and Radiotherapy Center,” which nestles in the province of Davao del Norte.

Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Enrique Ona and Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario led the unveiling of the marker during the inauguration ceremony held Sunday, Jan. 8, at the Davao Regional Hospital, Tagum City.

“We are thankful to President Benigno Aquino III for the enormous assistance extended to the Davao Regional Hospital in making this dream come true,” said Gov. del Rosario in his welcome remarks. “This project truly brings hope to our cancer patients, survivors and their families in the Island of Mindanao,” he added.

The center, which offers radiation therapy and digital linear accelerator, can accommodate 30 patients a day and is expected to provide enough, affordable and quality medical assistance, as what President Aquino stated in his message delivered by Sec. Ona.

Based on DOH statistics, 200,000 Filipinos yearly suffer from cancer. According to Sec. Ona, the said statistics is what the center desires to resolve.

The message also bared the plans of the present administration in addressing the concerns of the health sector.

For the year 2012, P12-billion has been allocated to the PhilHealth insurance premium to benefit 5.2-million families selected through the National Household Targeting System as compared to last year’s P3.5-billion budget.

“Gaya ng ating ipinangako, tinitiyak nating ang bawat Pilipino lalo na ang mga mas nangangailangan ay makikinabang sa serbisyo at benepisyo ng PhilHealth (As promised, we make sure that every Filipino especially those who are in most need will avail of the services and benefits of Philhealth),” said Sec. Ona.

“In gratitude, we the local leaders of this province hereby reiterate our commitment to fully support the Aquino Health Agenda and the rest of the Philippine Development Plan,” said Gov. del Rosario.(DAVNOR PIO)