FIFTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —)
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill mandates the local government units (LGUs) to conduct a quarterly
breast cancer detection program for the early prevention and cure of the disease
among Filipino women all over the country.

Cancer is the third leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the country
One research stated that one in 1,800 Filipinos will develop cancer annually. For
every two new cases of cancer diagnoses every year, one will pass away within the
year. The Philippines has the highest number of reported breast cancer incidence in
‘Asia with an age standardized incidence rate (ASR) of 47.7 per 100,000 Filipino
women. This number is higher than the numbers of some European countries like
Spain and Italy

Early detection increases the cure and recovery rates. Breast self-
examination (BSE) and mammography are some of the procedures that an individual
can undergo. Unfortunately, only 54 percent of Filipino women perform BSE and out
of that number, only 27 percent continue to do it regularly. Mammography is not
readily available and too expensive for most Filipino women, especially the ones
residing in rural areas. Economic factors and fear are the two leading reasons why
Filipino women with cancer are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Clearly then, there
is a need to increase the awareness and assistance in preventing, diagnosing and
treating breast cancer among Filipino women.

This measure directs local government units to hold quarterly manual or
mammogram breast cancer screening program through their respective health
officers under the supervision of the Department of Health. The LGUs shall
coordinate and seek the support of other health-related sectors and non-government
organizations (NGOs) in establishing and maintaining anti-breast cancer programs.
To ensure proper dissemination, promotional and advocacy programs will utilize
existing forms of media communications such as public service announcements in
radio and television and information pamphlets,

Furthermore, the provincial governments shall annually allocate one hundred
thousand pesos (P100,000) while the city governments shall set aside seventy-five
thousand pesos (P75,000) for the effective implementation of the programs. The


respective Internal Revenue Allotment of the LGUs will assign fifty thousand pesos
(P50,000) for these endeavors.

For these reasons, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

RUFUS B. Rt |GUEZ

YY

MAXIMO B.RODRIGUEZ, JR.


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —)
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
710

House BillNo.

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

AN ACT
REQUIRING THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS TO CONDUCT A QUARTERLY
BREAST CANCER DETECTION PROGRAM

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

SECTION 1. Title. This Act shall be known as the “Breast Cancer Detection
Act of 2010.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the
State that health is a basic human right that must be enjoyed by all its citizens, and
that the government shall endeavor to prevent and control diseases among
population at risk; and treats, manages and rehabiltates individuals affected by
disease and disability.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. As used in this Act, the following terms
shall mean:

a) Breast Cancer Detection, Breast Screening Program, Program — the
breast examination program

b) Infitrating/nvasive ductal carcinoma — malignant cancerous growth

¢) Local Government Units - the municipal, city or provincial government
units of the Philippines

d) Breast Surgery — the removal of breast/s

e) Radiotherapy — the application of x-ray in destroying cancer cells in the
body

£) Chemotherapy - the administration of medicines to destroy cancer cells

SECTION 4. Screening Program. The Local Government Units are hereby
directed, thru its local health officers and in close coordination with the Department
of Health, to hold a quarterly manual or mammogram breast cancer screening
program.

The Program will utilize the services of the Barangay/Municipal/City/Provincial
Health Workers in identifying breast cancer cases and positive cases will be
immediately referred to public health hospitals for treatment, management and


rehabilitation. The Health Workers concerned shall then maintain case record on
each individual found positive of breast cancer.

SECTION 5. Linkages and Support from Other Sectors. Appropriate
linkages, coordination and support with health-related sectors and Non-government
organizations with anti-breast cancer programs shall be established and maintained

SECTION 6. Advocacy. Promotional and advocacy activities of the Program
will make use of the existing forms of media communications such as public service
announcements in radio and television, public fora and the generation of pamphlets
for dissemination to target clientele. Commitments from partner agencies in the form
of cost-sharing arrangements will be enjoined to ensure success of the Program.

SECTION 7. Monitoring and Evaluation. The LGUs in coordination with the
Department of Health and partner agencies should constantly asses the Program by

way of periodic/spot reporting and inter-LGU field visits for submission to the
Department of Health

SECTION 8. Funds. The amount of One Hundred Thousand Pesos
(P100,000) for Provincial Government, Seventy-Five Thousand Pesos (P75,000) for
the City Government and Fifty Thousand (P50,000) shall be earmarked annually
from the respective Internal Revenue Allotment of these local government units
concerned for the implementation of this Program.

SECTION 9. Separability Clause. If for any reason of provisions of this Act,
or any portion thereof, or the application of such section, provision or portion thereof
to any person, group or circumstance is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the
remainder of this Act shall not be affected by such declaration and shall remain in
force and effect.

SECTION 10. Repealing Clause. All other laws, administrative orders, rules
and regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 11. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
upon its publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,