‘HOUSE OF REPRE
RECEIVED
Date: 30 JUN 2015
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Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
1 Regular Session

71S

House Bill No, £ *

TM TION UNIT
EX SERVICE

Introduced by Congressman Alfredo D. Vargas III

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the country and is the
primary cause of death among Filipino woment, With one out of every 13 Filipinas
expected to develop breast cancer in her lifetime, the Philippines ranks first in breast

cancer incidences in Asia?
It is important to note, however, that breast cancer is preventable and curable,
‘Through early screening and detection, coupled with proper treatment, the physical,

emotional, and economic consequences of being afflicted by breast cancer can be
prevented. Thus, it is critical that breast cancer patients are given the maximum benefits

and opportunities heal.
This bill seeks to designate the month of October as the Breast Cancer Awareness

Month. It also directs the Department of Health, the Department of Education, and local
government units to formulate and implement public education programs on breast

cancer,

Through this proposal, we are raising the citizens’ awareness on the prevention,
detection, and treatments for breast cancer, thereby giving patients better chances of

survival.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

ALFREDO D. VARGAS IIL

+ Philip C. Tubeza. Breast cancer Is the most prevalent in PH. Philippine Daily Inquirer. Available at

hhttp://newsinfo inquirer.net/291078 /breast-cancer-is-the-most-prevalent-in-ph [29 June 2016]

2 Inquirer.net. PH highest breast cancer incidence rate in Asia, health experts say. Available at:
‘ ence-rate-in-asia,} say (29

June 2016}

ENTATIVES



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
1 Regular Session

715

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Congressman Alfredo D. Vargas III

AN ACT
DECLARING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER OF EVERY YEAR AS “BREAST CANCER
AWARENESS MONTH

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Breast Cancer
Awareness Month Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - Article II, Section 15 of the Constitution states
that the State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill
health consciousness among them. Furthermore, the State recognizes the need to raise
awareness among Filipinos about the dangers of breast cancer and possible prevention
of this illness.

SECTION 3. Awareness Month. - The month of October of every year shall be
designated as “Breast Cancer Awareness Month.”

SECTION 4. Public Education and Awareness Program. - The Department of
Health in conjunction with the Department of Education and local governments shall
create a comprehensive public education and awareness program on the prevention
and threats of breast cancer. The program shall include modules on prevention,
detection, and treatments for breast cancer.

SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within sixty (60) days from
the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of Health, in coordination with the Secretary of
Education, will formulate the implementing rules and regulations necessary for the
effective implementation of this Act.

SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the remainder of the Act or the provision not otherwise affected shall
remain valid and subsisting.


SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance,
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative rule or regulation contrary to or
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended
accordingly.

SECTION 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in any national newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,