P3.75B eyed for cancer assistance fund

THE nationwide federal government strategies to designate a record P3.75 billion for the Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF) in 2027 to assist more Filipinos gain access to important cancer services as the illness continues to declare almost 200 lives daily, House Minority Leader and 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan stated Sunday.

The figure is P2.25 billion more, or 150 percent greater, than the P1.5 billion consisted of in the 2026 General Appropriations Act.

“In the 2027 National Expenditure Program, the P3.75-billion allotment for the CAF is 150 percent greater than the P1.5 billion appropriated for the fund this year,” Libanan stated in a declaration.

“As members of Congress, it is our responsibility not just to inspect how public funds are designated however likewise to notify individuals where their cash is going, specifically when it pertains to programs that straight impact their health and well-being,” he included.

The legislator stated the increased financing intends to broaden access to cancer screening, early detection, medical diagnosis, treatment, and other necessary medical services.

The CAF is available through Department of Health-run healthcare facilities and health centers across the country.

Information from the Philippine Statistics Authority revealed that 70,668 Filipinos passed away from cancers in 2025, making the illness the nation’s second-leading cause of death after ischemic heart illness. This equates to about 194 deaths daily, accounting for 11.4 percent of all taped deaths across the country.

The Philippine Cancer Society has actually reported more than 150,000 brand-new cancer cases each year.

It stated 70,668 Filipinos passed away from neoplasms, or cancers, in 2025, making the illness the nation’s second-leading cause of death after ischemic heart illness, the PSA kept in mind.

“The numbers inform us that cancer is not simply a health problem. It likewise enforces a remarkable monetary and social concern on Filipino households,” he stated.

“The CAF can assist reduce that problem and make sure that a cancer medical diagnosis does not instantly require a household to select in between life-saving treatment and putting food on the table,” he included.

The proposed P3.75 billion CAF allotment remains in addition to the P1.31 billion allocated for the Cancer Control Program for next year.

Amongst the federal government’s top priority cancer programs are breast cancer; youth cancers; gynecologic cancers; liver and other digestion system cancers, consisting of colorectal cancer; head and neck cancers, consisting of thyroid cancer; lung cancer; and prostate, kidney and urinary bladder cancers.