PCS HALLMARKS OF LEADERSHIP

CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD

PRESIDENTS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

 

2023

1. Memorandum of Agreement signing between PCS and Quezon City LGU represented by Mayor Joy Belmonte, the Medical Director from QCGH, QC Health Department Chief and PDAO Director from PCS Dr. Corazon Ngelangel-PCS President, Truestee, Gloria Cristal-Luna, ED Rachael Rosario and Dr Herdee Luna- Project lead for this ACT NOW PRIME CARE FOR BREAST CANCER Prevention of Breast canceR (screening/ downstaging) utilizing Integrated MobilE Clinics And Patient Reported online Evaluations and education. This happens on January 9, 2023 at Quezon City Hall.

2. The pilot launched the ACT NOW PRIME CARE FOR BREAST CANCER Prevention of Breast canceR (screening/ downstaging) utilizing Integrated MobilE Clinics And patient Reported online Evaluations and education in celebration of Cancer Awareness Month in February with the theme of close the care gap and the PCS and QC tagline No to Stage IV! The targeted area is Barangay Commonwealth with the biggest population barangay in Quezon City.

3. The data of PCS MCR has been accepted into the CI5 by the WHO IARC on May 3, 2023.
4. Granted the project on Technical Assistance for the Conduct of a Population -based5 and 10 ear Cancer Survival Study (2206-2017) Among Filipino Pediatric Cancer Patients.
5. The PCS signed a MOA with Rizal Medical Center for HR support and also for the Expansion of the Philippines new registry sites in Davao and Cebu City.
6. The PCS signed a MOA with Amang Rodrigue Memorial Medical Center (ARMMC) on the Development of the Patient Navigation Capacity-building design modules for the Cancer, Supportive-Palliative Medicine Access Program (CSPMAP).

7. 23RD ESMO ASIA- Awarded as Best Poster for Early Breast Cancer Program- ACT Now the Community Based Breast Cancer Screening t capture Filipino in early-stage breast cancer patients, bridge them to immediate treatment and better outcomes.

2022

1. Mobile Clinic: This year PCS received a brand new Portable Ultrasound Machine for Mobile Clinic bus donated by a pharmaeutical company and the 2nd New Mobile Bus Clinic that was donated by the Rotary Club Makati Premier and the Rotary District 3830.

2. 1st private school in Antipolo City requested for a "Yosi Kadiri - Anti Smoking Program for the Youth" activity in their school. Noting that smoking and vaping is quite rampant in the school. About 350 grade 11 and 12 students participated in person while more than 1,500 more joined the activity via internet. There was art contest, smoking 101 lecture featuring vaping, Yosi Kadiri appearance and lively exchanges of ideas among OLPS students and faculty. The event was broadcasted live thru OLPS FB and school net drawing more than 1,800 views.

3. Campus Relay for Life: 
- 1st Campus Relay for Life after pandemic in Our Lady of Peace School (OLPS) in Antipolo City.
- The return of face-to-face school Relay activity since Covid19 was attended by OLPS senior high school students, staff and faculty.

4. This year, though, is special because we can all once again come out from our hiding and forced respite to attend this best attended Ball again and meet the new 21 Best Dressed Women and the rest of the equally admirable awareees. Finally once again the Philppines Best Dressed.

5. The Gelia Castillo Award for Research on Social Innovations in Health (GCARSIH) aims to recognize the outstanding social innovations that address peristent, societal and health systems challenges. Through the innovators' experience, we can better understand why and how social innovations create impact, and discover the keys to scale up or integrate these effective interventions into the larger health system.

2021

1. The PCS received a brand new Mobile Clinic bus donated by the Rotary Club of Makati Premier District and the Rotary International Grant through the efforts of Best Dress Women of the Philippines awardee Mrs. Carol Mercado. Mrs Mercado later invited PCS President Dr. Corazon Ngelangel, ED Dr. Rachael Rosario and Rotary District 3830 governors to attend the turn-over ceremonies. The PCS president and Consul Helen Ong of the Republic of Angola, who is one of the members of the Council of Advisers and current chairperson of the Best Dressed Woman of the Philippines also attended another event with the press on the turnover of the bus. Mrs. Mercado and the Rotary Club of Makati Premier District are donating two new buses and the second one to be made available in the first quarter of 2022.

2. The PCS, due to its experience and expertise in the pioneering Patient Navigation Program, was tapped by the Department of Health in training Patient Navigators for the DOH Cancer Supportive Care and Palliative Care Medicines Access Program (CSPMAP) hospitals. More than hundred nurses, pharmacists, and physicians from 26 DOH hospitals all over the country attended a series of virtual training sessions facilitated by PCS.

3. BEST DRESSED WOMEN OF THE PHILIPPINES (BDWP)

The PCS' Best Dressed Women of the Philippines, touted by many as the most successful fundraiser in Manila if not in the Philippines, observed its 18th year with another alternative Best Dress Women of the Philippines event by gathering prominent and philantropic women and men in the country through the second publication of a coffee table book. The BDWP committee led by the indefatigable and undaunted founding chairperson Hon. Consul Helen Ong selected seventy two (72) elegant ladies and twenty five (25) men of influence or leadership who were featured in a 222 glossy-paged legacy edition coffee table book.

4. The Best Dressed Women of the Philippines (BDWP) Coffee Table Book. Presenting 72 Elegant Ladies and 25 Men of Influence or Leadership.

2020

1. 1st Asian Oncology Society Virtual Conference 2020 that reached to 2,592 registered participants and 13 Million net income. Happened on November 27 to December 2, 2020

2. The first Virtual Relay For Life was held in August 22, 2020. The Society partnered with Rotary Club of Pandacan, group of IT volunteers and the LGUs of Quezon City and Balayan, Batangas. PCS President Dr. Corazon Ngelangel welcome the more than one thousand eight hundred participants/viewers led by opening ceremony guests Cong. Alfred Vargas, QC Mayor Joy Belmonte, Rotary District 3810 Governor Liza Ilorde, Balayan Mayor JR Fronda and Former Congressman Chiqui Roa-Puno. The Relay highlights include cancer survivors testimonies, performances, fund raising, luminaria and messages from partners and advocates all in virtual way. American Cancer Society’s Global Relay For Life Strategic Director Matt Lewis participated as well.

3. Due to the pandemic the Best Dressed Women of the Philippines Committees come up to the idea to launch the 1st of Coffee table to continue to fund raised for the treatment of cancer patients.

4. PCS turned to Webinars as its primary education and information campaign strategy (e.g. introduction to PCS and cancers, breast, cervix, and prostate cancer awareness webinars conducted). 5. (PCS Mobile Clinic was deactivated for most of 2020 due to pandemic)

2019

1. Signing of National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) on Feb 14, 2019. 2. Signing of Implementing Rules and Regulation of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) on August 10, 2019

3. 1st Provincial Relay for Life in Bustos Bulacan and Balayan Batangas, on May 5, 2019 and October 25, 2019.

2018

The National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA), which was lobbied and pushed by the Philippine Cancer Society and the Cancer Coalition Philippines (CCPh), was approved by the 17th Philippine Congress.

 

The Best Dressed Women of the Philippines turned 15 years and now one of the most established and successful fund raising events in the country.

 

2017

The Cancer Coalition of the Philippines (CCPh) was organized with PCS as one of the leading members. The CCPh’s primary goal and advocacy is to see the enactment of a National Integrated Cancer Control law.

“The Return of Yosi Kadiri”, An Anti-Smoking Program for the Filipino Youth and the Community organized by the Philippine Cancer Society and Rotary Club of Makati.The PCS Yosi-Kadiri Campaign aims to create awareness among school children on healthy lifestyle including anti-tobacco campaign. Avoidance of cigarette smoking reduces significantly the risk of cancer, cardiovascular and other diseases. The nationwide, community-wide, and school-based programs and policies can reduce the initiation, prevalence, and intensity of smoking among youth and young adults. School-based programs produce larger and more sustained effects when they are implemented in combination with sustained programs combining mass media campaigns; tax increases on tobacco products; regulatory initiatives such as those that ban advertising to youth, restrict youth access to tobacco, and establish smoke-free public and workplace environments.

 

2016

The PCS-Manila Cancer Registry released its 5-year reports on Cancer in the Philippines, Volumes 1 & 2, and Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates, based on collected incidence and mortality cases from four major NCR cities and the province of Rizal (DOH-Rizal Cancer Registry). The population-based registries list the top cancers in the country for cancer control planning and management. DOH Secretary Dr. Paulyn Jean Rossell-Ubial received the PCS Dr. Priscilla J. Tablan Award for her sterling efforts and leadership toward the immense strides in tobacco control such as the DOH Red Orchid Awards, the Sin Tax Law of 2012 and the Graphic Health Warning Act of 2014. PCS Board of Advisers member Dr. Tablan was also feted for her pioneering and long years of service in the anti-smoking movement. Close to 5,000 cancer patients have benefited from the PCS Patient Navigation Program (PNaP) since it was started in 2011. Assistance in the form of diagnostics and laboratory examinations; treatments in chemotherapy, surgery, radiology; psycho-social counselling, and; other services were done through the PCS Central PNaP and the PCS-DOH PNaP Breast Cancer Medicine Access Program. Three Relay for Life events were held – Quezon City in March, Marikina City in May and Antipolo City in December – which is unprecedented in PCS RFL history. More local government units have signified interest in holding the RFL for their respective communities.

2015

The PCS launched its Mobile Cancer Screening Bus that offers Acetic Acid Wash (AAW) for the detection of pre-cancerous lesions of the cervix with cryotherapy treatment and Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) for Filipino women in communities. The AAW and CBE are the primary early screening procedures for cervical and breast cancers, respectively, recommended by the WHO for low-resourced settings like the Philippines. The Mobile Clinic was made possible through the generous efforts of Victory Liner, Inc. and the Best Dressed Women of the Philippines (BDWP) fund-raising project.

The PCS, in collaboration with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Council of the Philippines (Hospice Phils.), participated in the DOH Technical Working Group that led to the issuance of DAO N0. 2015-0052, or the “National Policy on Palliative and Hospice Care in the Philippines.” An intensified publicity campaign was undertaken by PCS, through the sponsorship of AXA Philippines, for the weekly publication of advertorials in the Philippine Star. The adverts featured general cancer information on prevention and early detection as well as healthy lifestyle tips for non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

2014

The PCS changed its logo from its 50th anniversary rainbow design to a dove-inspired motif which symbolizes hope for those people afflicted with cancer. It also represents a messenger that will help spread cancer awareness. The vivid color represents optimism that gives courage and strength to all cancer patients battling the dreaded disease. The lavender ribbon tail depicts all cancer sites while the blue, red and yellow body are the Philippine flag colors. The PCS was instrumental towards the passage of Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warning Law, which forces the tobacco industry to place pictures of the harmful effects of tobacco consumption in cigarette packaging. World-acclaimed Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) performed before cancer patients at the UP-Philippine General Hospital through the efforts of the PCS under its “Himig ng Buhay” Concert. This project was in cooperation with the Cultural Center of the Philippines through CCP Trustee and famed TV-movie director Nick Lizaso. The 20-minute audio-visual material “Health is Wealth” finished production and will be distributed to schools, workplaces and communities. The classroom-inspired AV material focuses on healthy lifestyle and general information on cancer. The material is also intended for showing in Knowledge Channel’s cable network and as supplementary material for health education.

2013

Republic Act No. 10152, otherwise known as the Sin Tax Reform Law, was signed to increase excise taxes for tobacco and alcohol products and raise government revenues. The Philippine Cancer Society strongly advocated for the landmark legislation to increase the prices of tobacco products and make it unaffordable to the youth and the disadvantaged sectors of society. The PCS also made representations for the passage of the law to fund health promotion and increase coverage for PhilHealth’s “Z Benefits Package” particularly for breast cancer, prostate cancer and acute lymphocytic leukemia.

PCS Council of Adviser member and former vice president Dr. Ernesto O. Domingo was conferred the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Health for his efforts on liver cancer research and initiatives in the Universal Health Care Program. The Patient Navigation Program of the PCS expanded to two more government hospitals – the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital in Legazpi City and the Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center in Marikina City – with PCS-PNaP providing research, technical assistance, monitoring and evaluation. Three more medical centers have applied for integration of the program.

2012

The Philippine Cancer Society leads in two important associations: as Chairman of the Philippine Coalition for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (PCPCNCD) which counts more than 40 institutional members and as Vice-Chairman of the Metro Manila Integrated NCD Program Coalition (MIND-PC) which has as members of all local government units in the national capital region, government agencies and civil society organizations.  Both organizations have been instrumental in technical advisory meetings that recommend to the government policies and programs to reduce the incidence of NCDs through the promotion of Healthy Lifestyle. The Best Dressed Women of the Philippines, PCS’ major fund raising activity since 2004, has added a new category – Exemplary Men of Influence – aside from the BDWP awardees and Style Icons. Included in the 1^st batch (2012) were prominent names such as former President Fidel Ramos, movie mogul Wilson Tieng, subdivision developer Bansan Choa and PRC Board Chairman for real estate service Dr. Eduardo Ong, among others. The very first Relay for Life in Manila was held at San Andres Sports Complex in Malate. In coordination with the Manila City Health Office, all city health districts were in attendance as well as city hall employees, cancer support groups, survivors and their families. More than 1,000 indigent cancer patients have been served by the DOH-PCS Patient Navigation Program (PNaP). Pioneered in 2009, the groundwork for its expansion to other areas notably Bicol, Cebu, Davao and other areas were initiated in 2012.

2011

 International Association of Cancer Registries (IACR) past President Dr. Max Parkin assessed and updated the PCS-Manila Cancer Registry, DOH officials and WHO-WPRO of IARC activities and the proposed National Cancer Registry. Also, the PCS-Manila Cancer Registry spearheaded a two-day training course on the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (ICDO) for its own registry staff and those of Rizal Cancer Registry, E.J. Aboitiz Cancer Center (Cebu), Bacolod Cancer Registry and Davao Cancer Registry. These efforts were also made to upgrade the data output of the provincial cancer registries to international standards. As a boost to the country’s anti-tobacco campaign, the PCS designed and posted picture-based anti-smoking signs on the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s “Pahayagan ng Bayan” pylons along busy thoroughfares like EDSA, Commonwealth and Roxas Blvd. Similar to the “Smoker’s Body” in Pilipino version, the PCS designed new flyers in Pilipino version to complement its Lecture Series. The new cancer control flyers included General Information on Cancer; Breast, Cervical, Liver, Lung, Colo-rectal cancers; Healthy Lifestyle, and; Hospice Care. As part of its Hospice and Palliative Care program, the PCS provided valuable inputs during Technical Working Group meetings that work on policies for the provision and distribution of free morphine tablets to concerned groups, including Hospice Philippines. The Society also partnered with the Lung Center of the Philippines and the SM Foundation to open the Felicidad T. Sy Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Care Center at the LCP. It now serves as the pilot medical facility for hospital-based hospice and palliative care in the country.

2010

The Philippine Cancer Society, cognizant of its role in cancer prevention and control in current times, started implementing a five-year (2010-2014) Strategic Plan focused on Information Effectiveness, Policy Advocacy, Focused Services, Financial Accountability and Community Support, and Organizational Effectiveness. The Strategic Planning was facilitated by Ms. Carmencita Abella of the Ramon Magsaysay Awards Foundation. The Philippine Cancer Society, through the Alay Kay Inay Foundation, has instituted a cancer screening program with more than 140 barangays in Quezon City for detection of breast, cervical and prostate cancers. The mobile screening program is preceded or complemented by lectures PCS education and information modules on Cancer in General, Cancer in Men and Cancer in Women. The PCS held its 2010 Poster Making Contest focusing on the theme, “Prevention and Early Detection saves lives from cancer.” Winning entries came from students in the elementary and high school levels. The 2010 Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates was published.

2009

 The Philippine Cancer Society pioneered in the implementation of the Patient Navigation Program (PNaP) which provides quick and easy access to the full range of diagnostic and treatment services for cancer patients through a systematized and assisted referral and support system. This initiative was launched through four participating government hospitals: East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC), UP-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH), Rizal Medical Center (RMC) and Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRMMC). Also in support of PNaP was the Breast Cancer Medicine Access Program of the Department of Health for breast cancer patients which the PCS administers. The PCS partnered with Springfield Breast Care Center of the SM Group of Companies for the provision of free digital mammography to focus women’s groups and indigent communities. The PCS remodeled its 2^nd floor for the establishment of the PCS Patients Lounge where cancer support groups undertake their psycho-social activities, meetings and seminars, fellowship socials and other activities to uplift the wellbeing of the cancer patient.

2008

The Philippine Cancer Society, Inc. hosted the 8^th Asian Clinical Oncology Society (ACOS) Conference  on September 21-24, 2008 at the SM-X Convention Center, Mall of Asia, Pasay City with the theme, “East Meets West: Multidisciplinary Approach to Cancer Care.” More than 1,000 foreign and local delegates attended the various educational discussions, symposia, collaborative meetings and Meet-the Experts sessions during the four-day Conference. The event was chaired by PCS President Dr. George G. Eufemio with Dr. Corazon A. Ngelangel as Conference Secretary General. PCS Education and Information Unit has translated the popular “Smoker’s Body” poster from its original English-French rendition to English-Pilipino for better comprehension of the diseases associated with tobacco consumption by those in low-resource settings. The PCS helped Marikina City expand its coverage of the Hepatitis-B vaccination program that included 32 lying-in clinics (48% of births), nine private hospitals (18%) and all barangay health centers (24% in homes). The program involved all aspects of the advocacy plan – monitoring and surveillance, health promotion, logistics and supply and delivery of the birth dose. The Atty. Eugenio Marfori-Celi Foundation bequeathed a lot to Dr. George G. Eufemio who in turn donated the lot to PCS. The Foundation also constructed a spacious building used by PCS Davao as its headquarters. Atty. Celi was a cancer survivor for 27 years under the care of Dr. Eufemio.

2007

The Education and Information drive of the Society doubled its output in 2007 in terms of number of persons reached and no. of sessions held which means more people have become aware of the threats of cancer and how to prevent or early detect the disease. Unprecedentedly, the Society was also able to gain more publicity mileage in various print media at no extra cost in 2007 including full page supplements in three major daily newspapers. The PCS hosted the 7th Asia Pacific Hospice Conference held at Sofitel Philippine Plaza on September 27-28, 2007 with hundreds of foreign and local delegates involved in cancer hospice care. The Organizing Committee led by PCS Trustee Dr. Alberto B. Roxas also hosted the regular meeting of the Asia Pacific Hospice Network (APHN) and the Local Cancer Care Control Network (L-CAN). The American Cancer Society granted the Philippine Cancer Society an “International Partners Award” in recognition of the PCS’ Hepatitis-B Vaccination Program in Atlanta, Georgia. The awarding was in conjunction with the ACS 3rd International Achievement Awards for Global Cancer and Tobacco Control. Relative to this, the Society signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Marikina City for the undertaking of a Pilot Study for a Field Manual on the Delivery of the Hepatitis-B Vaccine for distribution to the country’s more than 1,700 local government units (LGUs).

2006

The Philippine Cancer Society celebrated its 50th Year Anniversary at the Manila Polo Club with the unveiling of its new logo design, courtesy of BBDO Advertising, and a Golden Year documentary using the tagline “Winning the Cancer Challenge” to highlight its advocacy for cancer prevention and early detection as the best means to control cancer.

The 1st Summit for Alliance for Life gathered 21 cancer support groups and representatives from the Department of Health and government hospitals in attendance. The Alliance sought to formulate and update the Philippine Cancer Control Program through an inter-agency, multi-sectoral approach in support of the Cancer Information Desk. The Society undertook a study on the immunization of newborns in 37 municipal and district hospitals in Metro Manila with six hospitals responding to the survey. The evaluative study sought to review the Hepatitis-B immunization of newborns for the control of liver cancer. The Best Dressed Women of the Philippines and the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life was held in Shangri La Manila and the Amoranto Stadium in Quezon City, respectively to focus on the various contributions of donors and sponsors to the PCS.

2005

The Society continued to conduct the Jose Y. Fores, Teresa Yuchengco, and Andres Soriano Memorial Lectures. The PCS received grants from the ACS ( for the 2005 Campaign on Hepa B Vaccination of infants), Helen H. Batto Memorial Fund , Isabel Garcia’s estate, Dr. Lilia Lopez Borja Memorial Grant, and Metrobank Foundation. There was also a donation for the site of a cancer center in Davao City from Atty. Eugenia Marfori Celi Foundation. Finally, the PCS launched the Haircut for a Cure with the Hair Company International Inc. and the Yuchengco bequest. Senator Pia Cayetano authored SB1860 calling for the immunization of infants against Hepa B within 12 hours of birth. The President of the Senate endorsed the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), regulating the packaging, use, sale, distribution, and advertisement of tobacco products and for other purposes.

2004

For the first time in the Philippines, the PCS held the Relay For Life or RFL, a signature fundraising and cancer awareness activity of the American Cancer Society (ACS). The ACS also supported the PCS in its efforts to increase the public awareness on the importance of vaccination against Hepatitis B, with emphasis on pregnant women and unborn children. With the DOH, the Society organized the Alliance for Life Towards Cancer Control in the Philippines. The DOH provides the mandate and the general direction for the alliance, while PCS is the catalyst and facilitator. The alliance is made up of various government and non-government agencies (NGOs), professional societies, civic organizations, cancer-advocacy groups and individuals actively involved in the national movement for cancer prevention and care. The PCS held the Best Dressed Women of the Philippines which has since become its biggest annual fundraising activity. It also partnered with the Canadian Embassy for the holding of the Terry Fox Run in Manila and Cebu. Also known as the Marathon of Hope, it is held in memory of Terry Fox who, even when he was ill, still contributed to cancer awareness by running across Canada. The observation of the NCCW was capped with the first Dr. Priscilla J. Tablan Award to Senator Juan M. Flavier and Mr. Ronnie Ricketts, for their outstanding contributions to anti-tobacco advocacy. Former Health Secretary Flavier co-authored RA 9211 in the Philippine Senate, while Ricketts used his popularity as an action star in Philippine cinema to campaign against smoking. The award honors Dr. Tablan, the first director of the Lung Center of the Philippines and the first Filipino to receive a WHO Gold Medal Award for her anti-tobacco work. The PCS-MCR, DOH-Rizal Medical Center and the University of the Philippines released the publication 2005 Cancer Facts and Estimates.

2003

The Society organized the first National Cancer Support Group Summit to strengthen the network of support groups. In this connection, the PCS initiated the formation of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Council of the Philippines (NHPCCP) and advocated its membership in the Asia Pacific Hospice Network (APHN). The Society completed and published Cancer in the Philippines, Vol. III.

2002

The 2002 Fund Drive was the very first to be authorized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The PCS-MCR completed collection of data of cancer deaths for 2001 from the Civil Registrars of the cities of Manila, Quezon, Pasay, and Caloocan. The IARC publication Cancer Incidence in Five Continents, Vol. VIII, included data from the PCS-MCR for the period 1993 to 1997; the third time that PCS-MCR data was included in the IARC. Also, the PCS-MCR participated in a descriptive study on treatment patterns based on stage of diagnosis for breast cancer conducted by the IARC. The PCS-MCR abstract entitled Reduction of DCO Cases Through Active Followback was published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, Vol. 3. It was awarded the Best Poster in the 2001 Annual Meeting of the IACR.

2001

The Society continued to conduct the Dr. Ramon Z. Paterno, Dr. Jose Y. Fores, and Teresa G. Yuchengco Memorial Lectures. Two fellows received grants from the Concepcion Paterno Fellowship.

2000

The PCS set up the Resource Generation Unit as its primary fundraising arm and the Corporate Affairs Department to serve the conference needs of medical societies and associations. Fundraising activities for the year included the Opera Ball, the Terry Fox Run Marathon of Hope, the Chichirica Ball, the Quezon Memorial Circle Run, and the Pasay City Special Events Dinner Dance. The Society conceptualized programs and activities to promote awareness and consciousness of different types of cancer for the succeeding year, thus, May was designated Cervical Cancer Awareness Month; June, Prostate Cancer; August, Lung Cancer; September, Liver Cancer; and October, Breast Cancer. The Society received its Certificate of Accreditation from the Philippine Council for NGO Certification.

1999

The PCS published the 1998 Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates. Moreover, data from the PCS-MCR and the Rizal Registries for the period 1983 to 1992 were published in IARC’s International Incidence of Childhood Cancer, Vol. 2. The UP-National Institutes of Health convened round-table discussions with leading anti-cancer advocates and policy makers, providing a venue for the exchange of ideas and expertise; strengthening and consolidating anti-smoking premises and arguments.

1998

The Society organized the first training workshop on Reach to Recovery a non-medical support program of the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) for breast cancer patients at the Makati Medical Center. The PCS received a grant of 100,000.00PhP from Bristol-Myers Philippines for the PCS Cancer Hotline. Then first lady Dr. Luisa P. Ejercito – Estrada was named overall honorary chairperson of the Cancer Educational, Membership, and Fund Drive. One of the highlights of the year’s fund campaign was a cultural show entitled Handog at Alaala featuring the Repertory Philippines. In addition, Mrs. Belen Martel held three (3) trade fairs at the Harrison Plaza and turned over proceeds amounting to 3.025million PhP, representing the biggest single donation for the campaign. The IARC published Cancer Incidence in Five Continents, Vol. VII, including data from the PCS-MCR for the years 1988 to1992.

1997

The Society was the recipient of several memorial endowments. The RR De La Cruz Memorial Fund was established to support the Society’s information activities on cancer in men, particularly on prostate cancer. The Paterno Memorial Fellowship was created to honor Concepcion Paterno, one of the earliest benefactors of the Society. She donated the use of the 3,800 sq.m. lot on which the PCS offices stand. The fellowship was meant to support the training of a doctor in gynecological oncology. The Fores Memorial Lecture was established to honor Dr. Jose Fores, one of the Society’s founders and incorporators and the first president of the PCS.

1996

The first Paterno Memorial Lecture was held in honor of Dr. Ramon Paterno, noted radiologist, co-founder of the Society, and president from 1970 to 1980. The Patient Outreach Services was renamed Hospice Home Care Program. This year’s NCCW observance was highlighted with the holding of the first National Convention on Hospice Care where the PCS conducted a workshop seminar on hospice care. With support from the DOH, the PCS developed and produced a Hospice Home Care Manual for caregivers. It continues to train local communities to help them set up their own hospice services. The Cesar Tiangco Cruz, Jr. Memorial Fund was created with a bequest from the Cruz family to assist indigent cancer patients. The Society also received a grant of 12million PhP from the PCSO.

1995

Mr. Ponciano Marquez created the Mar-Doza Foundation to support the lecturer’s honorarium for monthly lectures focusing on cancer in women. The PCS and UP-PGH inaugurated the Cancer Education and Information Center at the UP-PGH Cancer Institute.

1994

The Society launched Bigay Alam ay Bigay Buhay, a five-year women’s cancer information crusade with the DOH and Avon Philippines, Inc. The 1994 NCCW focused on the prevention of leading cancers in women. In this connection, the PCS turned over 25 breast models to the DOH for the training of health workers on breast self-examination. The models were donated by the American Cancer Society (ACS) through Ms. Kathleen Bang. Mayor Rodrigo Duterte of Davao City declared Cancer Consciousness Week in Davao and marked the occasion with the inauguration of the Cancer Detection Clinic on 28 January 1994. Dr. Priscilla J. Tablan, board member and chairman of the Society’s Anti-Smoking Committee, was appointed by the WHO to be a member of its Advisory Council. The council is responsible for the preparation of a five-year Tobacco or Health Control Program in the Pacific.

1993

The IARC installed a new computer program called CANREG to facilitate more accurate and efficient encoding for the MCR. The PCS Board Member Dr. Priscilla J. Tablan was awarded the 1993 WHO Gold Medal, the first Filipino to be recognized for her efforts to promote anti-smoking. The Society’s Patient Outreach Services signed agreements with the Cancer Institute, GyneOncology, Medical and Surgical Oncology sections of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), Jose R. Reyes Memorial and Medical Center (JRRMMC), St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC), and Makati Medical Center (MMC) for the establishment of supportive cancer care services.

1992

The PCS-MCR data was included in Cancer Incidence in Five Continents Vol. 6. It is only the second population-based cancer registry to meet the stringent requirements for inclusion in this prestigious book published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

1991

Inspired by concern for the alleviation of the suffering of cancer patients, former PCS President Dr. Mita Pardo de Tavera envisioned building the capability of families and communities to care for them. Towards this end, the Society established the Patient Outreach Services.

1990

The Society joined the Asia Pacific Association for the Control of Tobaco (APACT), an association established in 1988 with the goal of creating a smoke-free environment for the people of the Pacific – Asia region by the year 2000. The Manila Cancer Registry completed registration of cancer cases for the years 1983 to 1987. The PCS organized the Consultation and Referral Services and the Mutual Support Group for the benefit of cancer patients.

1989

The Committee on Health of the Philippine House of Representatives passed the Anti-Smoking Bill of 1989. This law prohibits smoking in public places. The DOH integrated Pain Control as an essential component of the Philippine Cancer Control Program (PCCP) and authorized the distribution of morphine to DOH accredited hospitals nationwide. This move facilitated access to the regulated drug for the alleviation of pain of cancer patients.

1988

The PCS launched the Coalition for a Smoke-Free Philippines with then Secretary of Health Alfredo Bengzon as guest of honor.

1987

Dr. Priscilla J. Tablan initiated a program to involve youth in the Society’s anti-smoking campaign. In cooperation with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), World Health Organization (WHO), and National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP), the PCS trained 50 out-of-school youth in income generation and anti-smoking activities. The PCS launched the 1988 Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates with the Department of Health (DOH), WHO, University of the Philippines College of Medicine – Philippine General Hospital (UPCM-PGH) Clinical Oncology Group, and the Rizal Medical Society.

1985

The PCS Board of Directors decided to focus efforts and optimize application of limited resources on Information and Education and on the CTRP. Operations of the Cancer Detection and Diagnostic Center were suspended for lack of funds.

1984

The PCS Subcommittee on Cancer Registry re-directed the CTRP into a population-based registry, providing statistics of incidence and prevalence of cancer for a geographically-defined area. It was admitted as an associate member of the International Association of Cancer Registries (IACR). Under Ministry Circular No. 126-A, s. 1983, the Minister of Health enjoined PCS support for the Tumor Registry of the Community Cancer Control Program of the province of Rizal.

1981

PCS Director Francisco C. Delgado proposed the opening of an outreach clinic in Tondo General Hospital. Dr. Manuel Borja was designated in charge of the outreach clinic under the Medical Director Dr. Rodolfo Maceda.

1980

Then Central Bank of the Philippines Governor Gregorio S. Licaros was designated General Campaign Chairman. The Society launched the National Anti-Smoking Slogan Contest.

1979

The Society observed NCCW with the launching of its first mobile clinic service.

1978

The PCS continues to benefit from the expertise and influence of its esteemed directors — all volunteers — through the creation of a Council of Advisers. The first members were retired directors Dr.Miguel Canizares, Don Manolo Elizalde, Dr. Jose Y. Fores, and Mr. Jose A. Carpio.

1975

Observation of the first National Cancer Consciousness Week was highlighted by the conduct of the First National Cancer Conference. By virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 1348, every third week of January has since been observed as National Cancer Consciousness Week or NCCW. Funds from the William J. Shaw Memorial Foundation allowed the PCS to construct the William J. Shaw Building and operate the Special Clinics for Breast and Cervix Cancer. It boasted state-of-the-art equipment – the first mammogram machine in the country — for early detection of breast cancer. This was made possible through the efforts of Mr. David Choa and Mr. Alfredo Velayo.

1973

The PCS launched its medical assistance program with an initial donation in memory of Mr. Benny Gaberman. The PCS provides anti-cancer drugs to indigent cancer patients who are treated under clinically controlled protocols. Over the years, the fund has been augmented by other memorial donations and by the interest earnings of the Rizal Park kiosk.

1972

With the support of 42 government and non-government organizations, the PCS launched a nationwide anti-smoking campaign on 06 September 1972.

1971

The first PCS Division was established on 20 November 1971 at the N. L. Villa Memorial Hospital in Lipa City, in the province of Batangas, south of the capital Manila. Other divisions would be chartered and inaugurated in the succeeding years, including those of Cagayan, South Cotabato, Negros Occidental, and Iloilo (1975); Davao (1976); Quezon (1979); and General Santos (1980). In 2002, the PCS Board instituted measures to give chapters greater autonomy and flexibility. A refreshment kiosk at Rizal Park was awarded to the PCS on 21 August 1971. The kiosk has become a regular source of income for the PCS. The PCSO donated a new diagnostic X-ray unit to the PCS through the intercession of the former first lady Mrs. Imelda R. Marcos.

1970

The Philippine Post Office issued Fight Cancer Stamps for the benefit of the PCS on 05 October 1970.

  

1969

The PCS initiated the regular allocation of a budget for research under the supervision of a Research Committee. The first research grant was awarded to the National Committee on Clinical Oncology.

1968

The Central Tumor Registry of the Philippines (CTRP) was established on 22 July 1968.

1967

The PCS was certified as an organization for scientific advancement with funds dedicated to scientific pursuits by the National Science & Technology Authority (now the Department of Science and Technology) on 16 August 1967. This certification grants tax exemption to PCS income. Moreover, contributions to the PCS are fully deductible from the donor’s income tax. This certification is renewed periodically.

1965

Atty. and Mrs. David Alegre and family donated funds for the construction of an additional wing in their mother’s memory. The wing houses a deep X-ray therapy unit donated by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

1960

The Don Gonzalo Puyat wing, which houses the laboratories, was inaugurated on 24 June 1960.

1959

Mrs. Dolores Paterno de Tuason organized the wives of PCS Board members into a Volunteer Ladies Auxiliary Group.

1956

The Philippine Cancer Society (PCS) Articles of Incorporation was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

1952

Under the presidency of Gen. Hans M. Menzi, the Rotary Club of Manila started a movement to enlighten the masses about cancer. Other individuals and groups, like the Philippine Medical Association, Philippine College of Surgeons, Philippine Medical Women’s Association and the Department of Health also included cancer prevention projects in their plans.