Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

sep
House Bill No. 2876

Introduced by Representatives Mariano Michael M. Velarde Jr. and William Irwin
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 because the Filipino women have least knowledge of this type
of cancer despite it being the leading cause of death among female cancer patients.

mye y~ is earnestly requested.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No.

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

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A GYNECOLOGIC CANCER PUBLIC EDUCATION
AAND 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:

ICTION 1, Short ‘Title. - This act shall be known and may be cited as the
"Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act."

. 2. Establishment of a public education and awareness campaign. - The
Department of Health (DOH) shall 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.

SKC 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 actions as the Secretary deems appropriate to enhance public
awareness of gynecologic cancer among members of the general public


SEC. 4. Appropriations. - There is 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.

proved,

ULL

ichael M. Velarde Jr.