SIXTEENTH CONGRESS ) fey
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
FIRST REGULAR SESSION ) Re

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez a
Representative Maximo B, Rodriguez, Jr.

House Bill No. 1353

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. RODRIGUEZ

MAXIMO a JR.

e


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —)
FIRST REGULAR SESSION )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

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

1353

House Bill No.

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 2013”.

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 rehabilitates 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) Infiltrating/invasive 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

f) 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,