Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
 First Regular Session 
House Bill No.  3867 
INTRODUCED BY: HON. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the 
Philippines.  
In Region 8 (Eastern Visayas), the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC) in 
Tacloban City serves as a designated basic comprehensive cancer center under the 
National Integrated Cancer Control Act (R.A. 11215). However, geographical barriers, 
including the archipelagic nature of the region, limit access to cancer care for many 
residents.  
The Samar Cancer Center Act of 2025 proposes the establishment of a 
complementary cancer facility in Calbayog City, Samar. The Samar Care Center will serve 
as a secondary hub in nearby provinces and Region VIII, focusing on accessible 
diagnostics, treatment, and medicines for indigent patients, while coordinating with 
EVMC. By decentralizing cancer care, the Center will reduce travel burdens, enhance 
early detection through community-based programs, and support region-specific 
research, aligning with the National Integrated Cancer Control Program’s goal of 
equitable access. 
Foregoing considered; the passage of this Bill is earnestly sought. 
HON. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
Representative, First District of Samar 
August 20, 2025
12:23 pm


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
 First Regular Session  
House Bill No.  3867 
INTRODUCED BY HON. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE SAMAR CANCER CENTER IN THE PROVINCE OF 
SAMAR AS A SPECIALIZED COMPLEMENTARY FACILITY TO THE REGION 8 
CANCER CENTER, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in the Congress 
assembled:  
SECTION 1. 
Title. This Act shall be known as the “Samar Cancer Center Act of 2025.” 
SECTION 2. 
Declaration of Policy.  The State recognizes the need to expand access to 
specialized cancer care in under-served areas. The establishment of the Samar Cancer 
Center in the Province of Samar aims to complement the existing Eastern Visayas Medical 
Center (EVMC) Cancer Center in Region 8 by addressing geographical barriers, 
enhancing service capacity, and providing targeted care for indigent patients in Samar 
and nearby provinces. 
SECTION 3. 
Establishment of the Samar Cancer Center. A specialized cancer facility, to 
be known as “Samar Cancer Center” shall be established in Calbayog City, Province of 
Samar, under the supervision of Department of Health (DOH) and in coordination with 
the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC). 
SECTION 4. 
Objectives and Complementary Role. The Samar Cancer Center shall: 
(a) Provide accessible and affordable cancer care services, including diagnostics,
chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and palliative care, to complement the services of
the EVMC Cancer Center;
(b) Conduct community-based cancer screening, prevention, and awareness programs in
coordination with local government units (LGUs);
(c) Serve as a secondary hub for oncology training and patient referrals within Region 8.
SECTION 5. 
Facilities and Services. The Center shall be equipped with modern 
facilities, including: 
(a) Diagnostic equipment, such as CT scanners, radiotheraphy machine or linear
accelerator (LINAC), mammography, ultrasound machine, and pathology laboratories;
(b) Treatment units for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and minor surgical procedures;
(c) A pharmacy providing affordable cancer medicines, integrated with the DOH’s
Cancer Assistance Fund;


 
SECTION 6. 
Administration. The Center shall be managed by a Hospital Director to 
be appointed by the DOH Secretary. 
 
SECTION 7. 
Appropriations. The Secretary of DOH shall include in the Department’s 
program the operationalization of the Samar Cancer Center. The funding of which shall 
be included in the Annual General Appropriations Act. 
 
SECTION 8. 
Community and LGU Partnerships. The Center shall partner with LGUs 
and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to implement 
barangay-level cancer awareness, screening, and early detection programs to 
complement EVMC’s regional efforts. 
 
SECTION 9. 
Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within ninety (90) days from the 
effectivity of this Act, the National Integrated Cancer Control Council attached to the 
DOH, in consultation with the Provincial Government of Samar, EVMC, and other 
concerned stakeholders shall issue the implementing rules and regulations for this Act. 
 
SECTION 10. 
Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall remain in 
full force and effect. 
 
SECTION 11. 
Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, orders, or regulations inconsistent 
with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
SECTION 12. 
Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication 
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,