The Philippine Cancer Society (PCS) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have taken a historic step towards strengthening cancer care and training in the Philippines. On February 3, 2025, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was officially signed at the TESDA Complex in Taguig City, marking the beginning of a strategic collaboration aimed at improving patient navigation, cancer registration, and basic palliative care education across the country.
In front (L-R): TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco B. Benitez, PCS President Dr. Corazon A. Ngelangel
In back (L-R): TESDA Deputy Director Generals Nelly Nita N. Dillera, Felizardo R. Colambo , and Vidal D. Villanueva III, PCS Representatives Dr. Kelly Salvador (Board of Trustees), Dr. Herdee Luna (Executive Action Team Oncology Manager), Dr. Gloria Cristal-Luna (Board of Trustees), Dr. Maricar Sabeniano (Executive Action Team Oncology Manager), Mr. Romeo Marcaida (Executive Action Team Operations Manager), and Ms. Jennifer Guinto (Executive Action Team Operations Manager).
The partnership, which was initially explored during a meeting on December 6, 2024, brings together PCS’s expertise in cancer education and advocacy with TESDA’s national training infrastructure to develop structured, competency-based programs for cancer care providers. The agreement seeks to integrate patient navigation, cancer registration, and palliative care training into TESDA’s existing framework, ensuring that healthcare professionals and community caregivers receive standardized, high-quality training with national certification.
A VISION FOR ACCESSIBLE AND SKILLED CANCER CARE
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality in the Philippines, with thousands of families facing challenges in accessing timely and affordable care. Recognizing these gaps, PCS has been at the forefront of cancer care education and training, staying true to its mission “to advance knowledge about cancer, combat the spread of the disease, and bring relief to those afflicted with cancer.” Through this collaboration, TESDA and PCS aim to make essential cancer training programs more accessible, particularly in underserved regions where trained personnel are scarce.
This initiative is not just about technical skills; it is about humanizing cancer care. By equipping healthcare workers, community caregivers, and patient navigators with structured education, the program ensures that every Filipino—regardless of location or financial standing—has access to trained professionals who can guide them through their cancer journey.
A SHARED COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION AND COMPASSIONATE CARE
The MOA signing was attended by TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco "Kiko" B. Benitez, along with Deputy Director Generals Vidal D. Villanueva III, Nelly Nita N. Dillera, and Felizardo R. Colambo. Representing PCS were Dr. Corazon A. Ngelangel (President), Dr. Kelly Salvador (Board of Trustees), Dr. Gloria Cristal-Luna (Board of Trustees), Dr. Maricar Sabeniano (Executive Action Team Oncology Manager), Dr. Herdee Luna (Executive Action Team Oncology Manager), Mr. Romeo Marcaida (Executive Action Team Operations Manager), and Ms. Jennifer Guinto (Executive Action Team Operations Manager).
This partnership represents a bold step forward, bridging the gap between technical education and healthcare service delivery. By leveraging TESDA’s national reach and PCS’s expertise in cancer care, the initiative aims to shape the future of healthcare training in the Philippines. The collaboration will not only improve the quality of cancer services but also create career pathways for those who want to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families.
As TESDA and PCS move towards the full implementation of these programs, they invite healthcare professionals, aspiring caregivers, and policymakers to support the initiative. This partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration, where education and service come together to change lives and bring hope to Filipino families affected by cancer.