PCS Cancer Commission

31/08/2026

Honoring the Everyday Heroes of Cancer Care

Today, on National Heroes Day, we commemorate the brave men and women who fought for our nation’s freedom. But today, we also want to shine a light on the modern-day heroes fighting a different kind of battle right here at home. 🎗️✨

In the fight against cancer, heroes don’t always wear capes. At the PCS Cancer Commission Foundation, we witness extraordinary heroism every single day:

💪 To the Patient-Warriors and Survivors: Your resilience, courage, and spirit in the face of physical and emotional mountains are nothing short of heroic.
🫂 To the Caregivers and Families: You are the unsung heroes. Your sleepless nights, unconditional love, and unwavering support are the true lifelines of person-centered care.
🩺 To the Healthcare Professionals: Surgeons, oncologists, nurses, allied specialists, and patient navigators—thank you for your tireless dedication to delivering quality, compassionate cancer care to every Filipino.

True heroism is fighting for a tomorrow where no one has to face cancer alone.

Today, we salute you all! 💙

Who is your cancer care hero? Tag them in the comments below or share a quick story to honor them today! 👇

28/08/2026

🌸 Words From the Expert: Listening to Your Body, Empowering Women’s Health

"Gynecologic cancers affect women at every stage of life, yet awareness of their warning signs remains limited. While cervical cancer can largely be prevented through HPV vaccination and screening, other gynecologic cancers such as ovarian, endometrial, vulvar, and vaginal cancers require vigilance, early recognition of symptoms, and timely consultation.

Women should be encouraged to listen to their bodies. Symptoms such as persistent abnormal vaginal bleeding, unusual discharge, pelvic or abdominal pain, persistent bloating, changes in bowel or bladder habits, or an unexplained increase in abdominal size should not be ignored. Early evaluation can make a meaningful difference.
The best treatment outcomes are achieved when prevention, early diagnosis, appropriate surgery, systemic therapy, radiation therapy, and supportive care come together through a multidisciplinary approach. Timely referral to specialists and close collaboration among healthcare professionals are essential in providing every woman with the best possible cancer care.

As healthcare professionals and advocates, we have a responsibility not only to treat gynecologic cancers, but also to educate, prevent, detect early, and empower women to seek care without fear or delay. Together, through awareness, prevention, early detection, and compassionate multidisciplinary care, we can save lives and give more women hope beyond gynecologic cancers." — Dr. Marie Aleli De Castro-Malig, President, Society of Gynecologic Oncologists of the Philippines (SGOP)

At the PCS Cancer Commission Foundation, we fully champion this vision of person-centered, proactive care for every Filipina. 🤝🌸
Gynecologic health shouldn't be a taboo topic. By breaking silence, recognizing warning signs early, and promoting timely multidisciplinary referrals, we give women the power, confidence, and care they deserve.

💡 Key Takeaways for Women & Families:
🩺 Listen to Your Body: Never ignore persistent abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, or unexplained abdominal bloating.
🛡️ Prioritize Prevention: Stay up to date with HPV vaccinations and regular cervical cancer screenings (Pap smears / HPV tests).
🤝 Seek Collaborative Care: High-quality cancer care relies on gynecologic oncologists, surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, and supportive care teams working as one.

Let’s empower the women in our lives to prioritize their health without fear or delay! 💜🇵🇭

Share this message to protect the women you love! Tag your mother, sister, daughter, or friend in the comments below! 👇

26/08/2026

🩺 Calling All Healthcare Providers: Join the Virtual Multidisciplinary Tumor Board (vMTB) for Gynecologic Cancer! 🌸

Collaborate. Innovate. Cure.

The PCS Cancer Commission Foundation, together with the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists of the Philippines (SGOP) and leading specialty societies—in partnership with the Telemedicine Network of the Philippines—invites surgeons, oncologists, OB-GYNs, pathologists, radiologists, supportive care specialists, and healthcare professionals to an interactive clinical learning session focused on Gynecologic Cancer.

Multidisciplinary collaboration is the cornerstone of person-centered and quality cancer care. Join us as expert panelists navigate complex cases, explore evidence-based diagnostic and treatment pathways, and discuss multidisciplinary strategies tailored to optimize outcomes for Filipina patients.

📅 Event Details:
🗓️ Date: Thursday, 3 September
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM (PST)
📍 Platform: Virtual via Zoom
🔒 Eligibility: EXCLUSIVE FOR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

💡 Why You Should Attend:
🩺 Gain insights on multi-specialty approaches to complex gynecologic malignancies.
🩺 Engage in real-time discussion with leading national experts in gynecologic oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, medical oncology, pathology, radiology, and supportive/palliative care.
🩺 Strengthen local capacity for establishing MDTBs in your healthcare institution.

📲 Register now to secure your virtual seat!
Click the link: https://bit.ly/gynecologiccavmdtb2026 or scan the QR code in the graphic.

Let’s unite across specialties to deliver the best possible care to every woman facing cancer. See you there, Colleagues! 🤝💜

24/08/2026

Did you know that gynecologic cancers affect thousands of Filipinas every year, yet many symptoms are often overlooked or discussed in silence? 🩺✨

The PCS Cancer Commission Foundation joins global health advocates in observing International Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month.

In our advocacy for person-centered and quality cancer care, we believe that every woman deserves access to reliable health education, early screening, and compassionate multidisciplinary care. Understanding the warning signs is the very first step to protecting yourself and the women you love.

💡 The 5 Types of Gynecologic Cancers:
🌸 Cervical Cancer: Preventable through HPV vaccination and early screening (Pap smears / HPV testing).
🌸 Ovarian Cancer: Often subtle in early stages; pay attention to persistent abdominal bloating and pelvic pain.
🌸 Uterine / Endometrial Cancer: Most commonly signals itself through abnormal or postmenopausal vaginal bleeding.
🌸 Vaginal & Vulvar Cancers: Rarer forms that may present with localized itching, color changes, or persistent sores.

⚠️ Listen to Your Body: Don't Ignore These Signs!
🩺 Abnormal or post-menopausal vaginal bleeding
🩺 Persistent abdominal bloating or feeling full quickly
🩺 Pelvic or lower back pain
🩺 Changes in bowel or bladder habits

Early evaluation makes all the difference! When women are empowered with knowledge and supported by coordinated care teams, better outcomes are well within reach. 🤝💜

Break the silence and protect the women in your life! Share this post or tag a friend, mother, or sister in the comments below! 👇

22/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BJC9Fw1Wb/?mibextid=wwXIfr

CANCER SCREENING NOW A PHILHEALTH YAKAP BENEFIT

| Mammography, low-dose chest CT scan, and colonoscopy are now free under PhilHealth's Yakap program, with coverage based on each patient's risk factors as assessed by their assigned primary care provider, PhilHealth CEO Beverly Ho said Saturday.

Ho told DZRH News program "Special on Saturday" that Health Secretary Edwin Mercado has flagged cancer as an emerging top cause of death in the Philippines, making early detection through the Yakap cancer screening benefit critical to saving lives.

Full story in the comments.

19/08/2026

🛡️ Prevention is Protection: Supporting DOH's Call for Adolescent Immunization!
Vaccines aren't just for infants—they are essential shields for our growing adolescents! 💉✨

The PCS Cancer Commission Foundation stands in full support of the Department of Health (DOH) in promoting National Adolescent Immunization Month this August.

In our advocacy for person-centered and quality cancer care, we know that the most compassionate care starts with preventing cancer before it even begins. Protecting our youth today against vaccine-preventable infections—such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Hepatitis B—dramatically reduces their risk of developing cervical, head and neck, and liver cancers later in life.

💡 How you can take action today:
1️⃣ Check vaccination records: Ensure your adolescent children, nieces, nephews, or students are up-to-date with routine and catch-up vaccines.
2️⃣ Consult your local health center: Inquire about available adolescent immunization programs in your community or school districts.
3️⃣ Spread the word: Share this post to help bust myths and promote science-backed health protection for every young Filipino!

Let’s build a healthier, cancer-free future together for the next generation. 🩺🇵🇭
👇 See the official DOH advisory below to learn more!
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19BSiZWTTV/

17/08/2026

🛡️ Protecting Their Tomorrow, Today: National Adolescent Immunization Month
Did you know that one of our most powerful tools against certain cancers starts during adolescence? 💉✨

This August, the PCS Cancer Commission Foundation joins the nation in observing National Adolescent Immunization Month.

In our advocacy for person-centered and quality cancer care, we know that true care begins long before a diagnosis—it starts with prevention.

🌸 Why Adolescent Vaccines Matter in Cancer Prevention:
✅The HPV Vaccine: Protects against the Human Papillomavirus, which causes over 90% of cervical cancers, as well as head & neck, a**l, and other cancers. Administering this vaccine during adolescence provides the strongest, most effective immune response.
✅The Hepatitis B Vaccine: Shields the liver from chronic infection, dramatically reducing the risk of developing liver cancer later in life.

Protecting our teens today means giving them a future free from preventable cancers. As parents, healthcare providers, and community members, let’s make sure our adolescents are fully vaccinated and protected! 🩺💙

Talk to your pediatrician or local health center today about adolescent vaccines! Got questions? Drop them in the comments below! 👇

14/08/2026

🏛️ Building Sustainable Multidisciplinary Tumor Boards in General Santos!

Quality cancer care isn't just built on individual expertise—it’s built on seamless teamwork. 🤝✨

The PCS Cancer Commission Foundation, together with General Santos Doctors Hospital, invites healthcare professionals, clinical leaders, and hospital teams in General Santos City and nearby provinces to the PCS CanCom Leadership & Implementation Course: Building Sustainable Multidisciplinary Tumor Boards.
Aligned with the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA), this national capacity-building program transforms isolated clinical expertise into coordinated, high-performing cancer care systems. 🩺📊

🗓️ Event Details:
When: Saturday, August 29, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Registration opens at 8:00 AM)
Where: General Santos Doctors Hospital, General Santos City
Target Participants: Clinical Leaders (Surgeons, Oncologists, Pathologists, Radiologists), Oncology Nurses, Social Workers, Hospital Administrators, Quality Officers, and Cancer Program Coordinators.

🔗 Secure Your Institutional Slot:
We strongly encourage hospitals to attend as a multidisciplinary unit!
👉 Register here: https://forms.gle/PxHNn7oCfgGEzsLRA
📸 Or scan the QR code on the poster!

🇵🇭 Want to bring this capacity-building workshop to your institution or region?
The PCS CanCom team travels across the Philippines to help hospitals establish, strengthen, and sustain their own MDTBs.

📩 Partner with us! Contact the PCS CanCom Secretariat at [email protected] or +63 917 700 7500 to schedule a workshop in your city or hospital!

Together, let's elevate the standard of cancer care for every Filipino patient. 💜

13/08/2026

BIR Expands Tax-Exempt Cancer Medicines to 708! 💊✨

Every peso saved is a step closer to relief for Filipino cancer warriors.
The PCS Cancer Commission Foundation welcomes the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s latest advisory (RMC No. 87-2026), which officially expands the list of Value-Added Tax (VAT)-exempt medicines under the TRAIN and CREATE Acts.

With this update, the roster of VAT-free cancer medications has grown to 708 formulations and dosage forms—making cancer care one of the largest single beneficiaries of the government's tax-relief policy.

💡 Why this is a meaningful win for person-centered care:
💜Relief from Financial Toxicity: Removing the 12% VAT directly reduces out-of-pocket costs on critical oncology drugs, oral targeted therapies, and chemotherapy infusions.
💜Protecting Treatment Adherence: Lower drug prices help prevent patients from interrupting, delaying, or abandoning their prescribed treatment schedules due to financial strain.
💜Moving NICCA Forward: It aligns with the vision of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) to make high-quality, life-saving care equitable and accessible across the country.

While tax exemption is a laudable step forward, our advocacy doesn't end here. The base price of advanced cancer therapies remains high, and we continue to fight for expanded PhilHealth benefit packages, increased medicine access programs, and stronger safety nets so that no Filipino is left behind. 🤝💙

Know someone currently undergoing treatment? Share this news to help families stay informed about tax-exempt cancer medications! 👇

𝗕𝗜𝗥 𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗦 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝟮,𝟮𝟲𝟯 𝗩𝗔𝗧-𝗘𝗫𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗧 𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issued Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 27-2026 on April 8, 2026, publishing the FDA-endorsed full list of VAT-exempt drugs under Republic Act No. 10963, or the TRAIN Law, and Republic Act No. 11534, or the CREATE Act.

The Food and Drug Administration Philippines (FDA) of the Department of Health (Philippines) endorsed the updated list of 2,263 VAT-exempt drugs for the treatment of the following illnesses: 702 for cancer, 535 for hypertension, 327 for diabetes, 300 for mental illness, 171 for high cholesterol, 152 for kidney disease, and 76 for tuberculosis.

In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for Filipinos, the Department of Finance, under Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go, supports the timely implementation of measures that help reduce the cost of essential medicines.

BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza said, “This issuance forms part of the government’s continuing efforts to help ease the cost of essential medicines, especially for Filipinos managing chronic and critical illnesses.”

RMC No. 27-2026 further provides that the updated list supersedes previous revenue memorandum circulars issued on the matter and shall remain in effect until new updates are endorsed by the FDA.

You may access the full text of RMC No. 27-2026 here(https://bir-cdn.bir.gov.ph/BIR/pdf/RMC%20No.%2027-2026.pdf), while the complete list of VAT-exempt medicines is available through Annex A of the circular (https://bir-cdn.bir.gov.ph/BIR/pdf/Annex%20A%20of%20RMC%20No.%2027-2206%20(1).pdf).