Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

58239

House Bill no.

Introduced by Representatives Leni Gerona-Robredo

EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article II, Section 15, of the Constitution states:

“The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and
instill health consciousness among them.”

‘The current situation in the Philippines shows an alarming rate of Filipinos who are
suffering from breast cancer. According to a news report by GMA News, the
Philippines currently has the most number of breast cancer cases in Asia. The report
further states the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology in 2012 estimated 3 out of
100 Filipino women will contract breast cancer before age 75 and 1 out of 100 will die
before age 75. This is a cause of concern for the status of health in the country.

‘The start of the campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness began when an American
named Susan Komen passed away because of the disease in 1970. Her brother,
believing that awareness of the disease might have changed his sister's fate, founded
the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in honor of Susan Komen in 1982. In
October 1983, the foundation held the first Race for a Cure in order to raise
awareness for Breast Cancer. Until today, this race is held on October of every year.

In line with this, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared October of
every year as a global commemoration called Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Due to the growing number of Breast Cancer incidences in the country, it is prudent
that the state institute policies to raise awareness and education on Breast Cancer. A.
comprehensive information campaign is needed for Filipinos to learn about the
prevention, detection, and treatment of the disease, which will result in lowering of
incidences in the country.

In light of the foregoing, passage of the bill is urgently sought.

Leni Wa noreao

Third District, Camarines Sur


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill no, _ 5829

rona-Robredo

Introduced by Representatives Leni

AN ACT DECLARING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER OF EVERY YEAR AS
“BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH” AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Breas
month act”

cancer awareness

SEC 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.

SEC. 3. Awareness Month. - The Month of October of every year shall be
designated as “Breast Cancer Awareness Month’.

SEC 4. Public Education and Awareness Program. — The Department of
Health in conjuction 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.

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

SEC. 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.

SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. ~Any law, presidential deeree 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.

SEC. 8. Effeetivity — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days upon its
publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.