Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2274

House Bill No.

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

EXPLANATORY NOTE

According to a report in the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development
(PCHRD), a study found that nearly half the women surveyed were neither aware of risk
factors for gynecologic cancer nor could they name a single symptom. Moreover, the
report says that thousands of women in the Philippines are diagnosed with some form of
gynecologic cancer each year and it is estimated that about one-third of them will succumb
to their disease. As with all cancers, the report adds, early diagnosis and treatment is
critical.

‘The PCHRD further observes that when gynecologic cancers are diagnosed at their earliest
stages, there is an excellent chance of survival, However, it notes, too many women,
particularly those with ovarian cancer, are diagnosed in more advanced stages. Lack of
knowledge, especially about the often-subtle symptoms, is a contributing factor, concludes
the study. Verily, the study quoted the director of gynecologic oncology at New York
Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center, in that: “There's very little understanding
about gynecologic cancers, Most women have little awareness of symptoms that might
relate to these diseases. Women can help themselves by becoming knowledgeable about
these cancers. No one should give up: Research is ongoing, detection and therapies have
improved, and there are big things in the horizon.”

In this light, the State must play an active role in promoting awareness with regard to
gynecologic cancer becausd the Filipino women have least knowledge of this type of
cancer despite it being the Ifading cause of death among female cancer patients.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No._2274

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

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A GYNECOLOGIC CANCER PUBLIC EDUCATION AND
AWARENESS CAMPAIGN, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES

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 and may be cited as the "Gynecologic
Cancer Education and Awareness Act. "

SEC. 2. Establishment of a public education and awareness campaign. - The Department
of Health (DOH) shalll establish a public education and awareness campaign to inform the
general public about the clinical significance of gynecologic cancer and its public health
implications, including, at a minimum, the risk factors, symptoms, need for early
detection, and methods of treatment associated with gynecologic cancer.

SEC 3. Functions of the campaign.- For the purposes of the public education and
awareness campaign, the DOH Secretary shall, at least:

1. Provide for the development of printed educational materials and public service
announcements in English and Tagalog;

2. Disseminate information for distribution to the public through such appropriate entities
to effectuate the purposes of this Act, including, but not limited to, local health agencies
and clinics, physicians, health care facilities, pharmacies, libraries, senior citizen centers,
and other community-based outreach programs and organizations;

3. Post such information on the official Internet website of the DOH; and

4, Take such other action as the Secretary deems appropriate to enhance public awareness
of gynecologic cancer among members of the general public

SEC. 4. Appropriations. - There shall be appropriated twenty million pesos (Php
20,000,000.00) from the General Fund to the DOH to carry out the public education and
awareness campaign pursuant to this act.


SEC. 5. Repealing Clause. - Any laws, decrees, ordinances or rules and regulations which
are inconsistent with or contrary to the provision of this Act is hereby amended or
repealed.

SEC. 6. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete
publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.