Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

6253

House Bill Ne

Introduced by Representatives
Michael M, Velarde, William Irwin Tieng, and Jose Jr. L. Atienza
(BUHAY Party List)

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Childhood Cancer Foundation Philippines (CCEP) reports that pediatric cancers are
the No. 1 disease killer of children - more than asthma, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and
pediatric AIDS combined. In the Philippines, the Sanofi Espoir Foundation (SEE)
estimates that about 3,500 Filipino children will develop cancer every year, but only
one-third (1/3) will be diagnosed and treated in medical facilities. Among the
diagnosed patients, two-thirds (2/3) of cases are presented in the advanced stages when
a cure is no longer possible, or can only be achieved using very aggressive and
expensive treatment available only in large centers, which patients cannot afford. Thus,
SEF concludes that a significant number of patients are unable to continue follow-up
visits leading to an abandonment of care rate of 80%.

Only ten percent (10%) of diagnosed Filipino children survive, even though at least
seventy-five percent (75%) of childhood cancer is curable, as reported by the Cancer
Warriors Foundation, Inc. The low survival rate can be mitigated by early detection and
diagnosis of pediatric cancer, where the medication and treatment available are more
effective and affordable.

In order to protect the youth from the statistically most fatal of illnesses, the first step is
to spread public awareness of its prevalence, symptoms, treatment, and most
importantly, the necessity for early detection.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

6253

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representatives
Michael M. Velarde, William Irwin Tieng, and Jose Jr. L. Atienza
(BUHAY Party List)

AN ACT DECLARING THE MONTH OF APRIL OF EVERY YEAR AS
“CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH” AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

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

CTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Citildhood Cancer
Month Act.”

Awaren

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. ~ The State recognizes the vital role of the youth
in nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical well-being, In
furtherance of this policy, the State shall declare the month of April of every year as the
awareness month for childhood cancer.

Ss 3. Children’s Cancer Awareness Month. - The month of April of every year
shall be known as “Childhood Cancer Awareness Month” throughout the Philippines.

SEC. 4. Public Fducation and Awareness Program. - In line with the observance
of the month above indicated, a comprehensive public education and awareness
program shall be undertaken on childhood cancer. The program shall specifically
discuss the kinds, causes, symptoms, diagnoses, treatments and the methods of
prevention of childhood cancer, with emphasis on the need for early diagnosis.

SEC. 5. Inter-agency and Multi-sectoral Effort. - The Department of Health
(DOH), on the part of the national government, and the cities and municipalities, on the
part of the local governments together with non-government and people's
organizations, shall lead the implementation of a comprehensive public education and
awareness program on childhood cancer through a collaborative interagency and multi-
sectoral effort at all levels.

SEC. 6. - Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DOH shall promulgate the
appropriate rules and regulations necessary for the effective implementation of this Act
within ninety (90) days from its approval.


SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders or parts thereof
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified
accordingly.

SEC. 8. Separability Clause. ~ If any provision of this Act is held invalid or
unconstitutional, other provisions not affected shall continue to be in full force and
effect.

SEC. 9, Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of national circulation,