Philippine Cancer Center Brief History

Republic Act No. 11215, otherwise known as the “National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) Law”, was signed into law by President Duterte on 14th of February 2019. By this law and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), the Philippine Cancer Center (PCC) was established to be the center of excellence in cancer care, research and development, and capacity development and shall be headed by an Executive Director.

On February 17, 2020, The PCC-Management Office was established on 17 February 2020 and was led by an Interim Executive Director, an Interim Chief, and six staff. The PCC-Management Office was divided into three units, namely: (1) Administrative Staff; (2) Cancer Control Technical Services; and, (3) Cancer Control Research Division. These three units all worked harmoniously to fully realize the mandates of the Center.

The PCC has recently undergone expansion, welcoming 14 new staff members, and is under the leadership of Dr. Alfonso G. Nuñez as the Interim Executive Director. To fulfill its mandates, the PCC is actively engaged in the planning and design of a twenty-story National Specialty Hospital. This visionary hospital aims to deliver high-quality care to cancer patients. Simultaneously, the PCC is engaged in the renovation of its existing building, which will house the forthcoming PCC Research Facility. This facility will accommodate various specialized laboratories dedicated to cancer research, including the Molecular Genomics Laboratory, Biobank, Tumor Bank, and Data Center. Both of these facilities are poised to provide cutting-edge services that align with global standards, thereby fostering the ongoing enhancement of cancer care, research, development, and control efforts.

Beyond these endeavors, the PCC is deeply committed to establishing a national cancer data repository. This repository will serve as the centralized hub for all cancer-related registries and data, unifying existing registries and streamlining data analysis and generation processes. This pivotal initiative will yield cancer information derived from the Filipino populace, contributing to a robust understanding of the disease within the country. Moreover, the PCC is actively offering support to enhance the capabilities of the Designated Specialty Centers for Cancer Care. This support encompasses both the improvement of cancer care delivery and the facilitation of research initiatives within these specialized centers.

In its enduring quest, the Philippine Cancer Center has consistently upheld its unwavering mission to combat cancer, acting as a beacon of hope, a pillar of support, and a soon-to-be haven of comprehensive care for individuals grappling with the far-reaching impact of this relentless disease. The heart of the PCC beats with dedication, and its skilled and compassionate team works tirelessly alongside visionary leaders to forge a path forward. This steadfast commitment is rooted in the belief that every life touched by cancer deserves not just medical attention, but also the assurance of empathy, guidance, and a holistic approach to healing. The PCC’s tireless efforts go beyond medical treatment, encompassing psychological, emotional, and social support to create an encompassing healing environment.

With a genuine spirit and a strategic vision, the PCC’s journey aims to sculpt a future where the weight of cancer’s burden is progressively lightened. This involves not only state-of-the-art medical advancements but also robust public awareness campaigns, community engagement, and policy advocacy. The center envisions a nation firmly united against the formidable challenge of cancer, armed with knowledge, resilience, and a collective determination to improve outcomes and elevate the quality of life for all those affected.

As the PCC moves forward, it does so not merely as a healthcare institution, but as a catalyst for change, an advocate for progress, and a sanctuary for all who seek refuge from the challenges posed by cancer. Its story is one of compassion, courage, and unyielding commitment, serving as an embodiment of the nation’s solidarity against a health challenge that knows no boundaries.

PCC Core Values

Teamwork | Collaboration | Integrity | Stewardship | Compassion