Philippine College of Surgeons
Cancer Commission Foundation
Championing Integrated Quality Cancer Care
Embedded Files
Philippine National Cancer Summit 2026 Launches Unified "National Cancer Grid" to Tackle 300 Daily Deaths
MANILA, Philippines — Leaders from the medical, government, and civil society sectors have united at the Philippine National Cancer Summit (PNCS) 2026 to launch a transformative movement: the Philippine National Cancer Grid. The initiative aims to transition the country from "pockets of excellence" to a unified, person-centered healthcare system.
The urgency is fueled by a staggering reality from the Globocan report: cancer is now the second leading cause of death in the Philippines, claiming more than 300 lives every day.
"Fragmentation is our biggest challenge," said Dr. Catherine SC Teh, Chair of the PCS Cancer Commission. "We have skilled clinicians, but the burden of integrating care is currently placed on the sick patient rather than the system. Every year, 1.5 million families are pushed into poverty by health expenses. This must change."
The National Cancer Grid serves as a flagship framework to standardize care across regions, integrate data silos, and ensure that no Filipino is left behind. Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa set a bold national target for the initiative: "Our goal is increasing screening, diagnosis, and treatment by 50% by 2028."
The summit emphasized that cancer is a "governance and social equity issue," according to DILG Assistant Secretary Lilian De Leon, requiring action beyond hospital walls. Dr. Ravi Kannan, 2023 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee, noted that true success requires constant investment in the community, while PhilHealth, represented by Dr. Alfred Philip De Dios, reaffirmed its commitment to covering the full spectrum of care.
The PNCS 2026 calls on all sectors—government, private partners, and every Filipino—to move beyond awareness and into action. By scaling person-centered care through the National Cancer Grid, the Philippines is finally building a system that puts the human being at the heart of the cure.
Philippine College of Surgeons Cancer Commission Foundation (PCS CANCOM) is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Filipinos on their cancer journeys and fostering a path toward better quality of life and survivorship. Since 2019, we have been bridging gaps in cancer care across the Philippines through training, partnerships, research, and patient empowerment.
We are an active partner in implementing the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA Law, RA 11215), helping ensure that every Filipino has access to equitable, person-centered, and quality cancer care.
The Challenge We Face
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the Philippines. Yet access to timely diagnosis, quality treatment, and coordinated support remains uneven.
We believe every Filipino deserves equitable, person-centered, and quality cancer care.
How We Make a Difference
We focus on solutions that change lives:
Capacity Building – Training health professionals and institutions nationwide.
Patient & Community Empowerment – Creating resources for families and frontline health workers.
Research & Innovation – Generating local evidence to shape better cancer policies.
Partnerships & Advocacy – Building a united movement for stronger cancer care systems.
Catherine SC Teh, MD
Chairperson
Message from the Chairperson
Cancer care in the Philippines cannot be defined by isolated moments of clinical intervention alone — it is a continuum of human experience marked by hope, struggle, partnership, and relentless pursuit of better outcomes for every Filipino. This truth has guided me long before formal roles, laws, or titles — from grassroots advocacy to shaping system-wide solutions that touch lives across our nation.
The Philippine College of Surgeons Cancer Commission Foundation stands for a profound conviction: that every Filipino — regardless of income, geography, or circumstance — deserves equitable, person-centered, high-quality cancer care. Our Vision to build a stronger Philippines with improved survivorship and outcomes, and our Mission to advance quality cancer care through integrated multisectoral, multidisciplinary, and multistakeholder action, are more than statements — they are commitments we relentlessly fulfill through programs, partnerships, and policies.
From capacity building and strengthening tumor boards nationwide, to patient and community empowerment, research and innovation, and strategic advocacy, PCS CanCom brings practical solutions to real challenges. Our work is grounded in collaboration — across clinical disciplines, public health leadership, government, industry, academe, and community partners — because no single sector can solve the cancer burden alone.
Sustainability for us means looking beyond today. It means forging enduring partnerships with all sectors — from government agencies like the Department of Health and academic institutions, to industry allies, civil society, and enterprises — to ensure that cancer care is built on systems that endure, improve, and expand with time. These partnerships allow us to invest not just in treatment, but in prevention, early detection, coordinated care pathways, policy implementation, data-driven decision making, and community resilience — from barangays to national platforms.
Aligned with the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) and national priorities, PCS CanCom remains a steadfast partner in bridging policy with practice, translating evidence into action, and catalyzing innovations that elevate care standards. Our annual initiatives — including the Philippine National Cancer Summit and multidisciplinary workshops — are expressions of this mission, fostering shared learning, co-creation, and unified commitment across stakeholders.
This Commission is about stewardship, courage to act collaboratively, and dedication to outcomes that matter most: lives saved, families supported, communities empowered, and systems sustained. We do this with humility, integrity, and vision — believing that what we build together will outlast any single term or mandate.
We invite you to walk with us — as partners, as advocates, and as co-creators of a future where cancer care in the Philippines is equitable, excellent, and enduring.
Highlights
As we pause this Holy Week for a time of reflection, sacrifice, and hope, the PCS Cancer Commission Foundation reaffirms its mission: no one should have to carry their cross alone.
A Moment of Reflection:
For the Warriors: We pray for those in treatment. May you find the strength and resilience to keep moving forward.
For the Caregivers: We honor the family and friends providing tireless comfort and love.
For the Healers: We pray for our doctors and nurses—may they be guided by wisdom and a heart for service.
May this sacred week bring you peace and a renewed sense of hope. Whether you are in the hospital, at home, or in the province, remember: your journey matters.
Wishing you a meaningful and blessed Holy Week from the PCS Cancer Commission Foundation.
HAPPY EASTER
The PCS Cancer Commission Foundation joins the Filipino nation in celebrating the joy and triumph of Easter Sunday.
We celebrate our Cancer Warriors and Survivors. Your journey is a living testament to the power of hope and the strength of the Filipino soul. Even after the longest Friday, Sunday always comes.
May your homes be filled with the peace of the Risen Christ and the warmth of your loved ones. A blessed and joyful Easter to all!
WORLD HEALTH DAY
the PCS Cancer Commission Foundation joins the global community in celebrating World Health Day.
The 2026 theme, “Together for Health. Stand with Science" , reminds us that quality healthcare is a right, not a privilege. At PCS CanCom, we believe that "standing with science" means ensuring every Filipino has access to the best cancer treatments and evidence-based care—regardless of their background or where they live.
How you can take action:
Prioritize Screening: Science proves that early detection is our best defense. Schedule your check-up today.
Share the Message: Help us advocate for a fairer, healthier Philippines.
Support the Cause: Follow our FB page to stay updated on how we are bridging the gaps in cancer care.
Let’s build a future where quality health services are within reach for everyone. Happy World Health Day!
ARAW NG KAGITINGAN
As we observe Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), the PCS Cancer Commission Foundation honors the courage that defines the Filipino spirit.
Valor isn’t just found on the battlefield; it is seen every day in the quiet strength of our Cancer Warriors. From the patient undergoing a difficult cycle of treatment to the caregiver standing steadfast by their side, we witness a modern kind of heroism that inspires us all.
Honoring the Brave:
To our Patients: Your resilience is a testament to the "Kagitingan" of the human spirit. You are the heart of our mission.
To our Caregivers: You are the unsung heroes, providing the support and love that make the journey possible.
To our Healthcare Frontliners: Thank you for your tireless dedication to providing quality, person-centered care to every Filipino.
At PCS CanCom, we believe that true valor deserves a healthcare system that fights just as hard for the patient. We advocate for a future where quality cancer care is a right, not a privilege, for every brave Filipino.
On this day, we remember the fallen, honor the survivors, and commit to the fight for a healthier, cancer-resilient Philippines. Isang mapagpalang Araw ng Kagitingan sa inyong lahat!
YOUR VOICE, YOUR STRENGTH, YOUR J0URNEY
This Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week, the PCS Cancer Commission Foundation is celebrating the resilience of survivors who have reclaimed their lives, their smiles, and their voices.
Head and neck cancer affects the parts of us that help us connect with the world—how we speak, how we taste our favorite Filipino dishes, and how we express our love. Our mission is to ensure that every patient receives Quality, Person-Centered Care that protects these precious parts of life.
Let’s Be Proactive About Our Health:
Listen to the "Whispers": Notice a change in your voice? A persistent sore throat? Or a small lump? Checking in with a doctor early is the ultimate act of self-care.
Support the Whole Person: Quality care isn't just about removing a tumor; it’s about speech therapy, nutritional support, and emotional healing.
Celebrate the Wins: From the first clear sentence spoken after surgery to the first shared meal with family—every milestone is a victory!
At PCS CanCom, we don’t just fight cancer; we fight for the quality of life every Filipino deserves. Let’s keep the conversation going!
CONTACT US
CONTACT US
📞 +63 917 700 7500
📧 secretariat@pcscancom.org
🏢3/F Philippine College of Surgeons Building, 992 EDSA, Quezon City, Metro Manila, 1105
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