By Jay B. Laurino Officials, healthcare leaders, and stakeholders break ground for the “Kanlungan ng Pag-asa” Cancer and Radiotherapy Center...
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| Officials, healthcare leaders, and stakeholders break ground for the “Kanlungan ng Pag-asa” Cancer and Radiotherapy Center at Lucena United Doctors Hospital and Medical Center in Lucena City on April 30, marking the start of the first comprehensive cancer treatment facility in Quezon Province. (Lucena City PIO) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon — For years, cancer patients in Quezon have had little choice but to travel to Metro Manila and other cities for treatment, often at great cost and strain to their families. That reality may soon change as the province’s first Cancer and Radiotherapy Center begins to take shape in this city.
The facility, called “Kanlungan ng Pag-Asa,” broke ground on April 30 at Lucena United Doctors Hospital and Medical Center, marking a major step toward making cancer care more accessible within the province. Once completed, it is expected to bring essential services—from early detection to treatment—closer to patients who need them most.
The project is expected to ease long-standing gaps in cancer care by allowing more patients to be treated locally. It may also improve coordination among hospitals and reduce delays often caused by referrals outside the province.
In his message, Chief Quality Officer and Head of Strategic Initiatives Gerardo Carmelo Salazar said the new center aims to make quality care more accessible while minimizing the need for long-distance travel. He said the facility is expected to strengthen the referral system and help ensure patients receive continuous treatment.
Meanwhile, Head of Oncology Juan Faller Ludovice Jr. said the center will be equipped with modern technology to improve cancer treatment and patient care. He added that it is envisioned to serve not only as a treatment hub but also as a center for research and public education on cancer.
Support from PhilHealth is also expected to help ease the financial burden on patients. PhilHealth Region IV-A Acting Regional Vice President Edwin Oriña said expanded access to oncology services, along with available benefit packages, will help more patients complete their treatment without interruption.
Quezon Provincial Health Officer Kristin Mae Jean Villasenior said strengthening local capacity will allow earlier diagnosis and improve outcomes for patients. She added that having services within the province will help doctors respond more quickly and manage cases more effectively.
The project is being implemented through PhilHealth’s YAKAP and Z Benefits packages, which provide financial assistance to eligible patients. Under these programs, qualified beneficiaries may avail of No Balance Billing for radiotherapy services, meaning no additional charges beyond what is covered.
Once operational, the center will offer radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgical procedures, providing more complete cancer care in one location. This is expected to reduce travel time, expenses, and treatment delays for patients and their families.
Mayor Mark Alcala welcomed the project, describing it as a step forward in improving healthcare services in Lucena. He said the facility would strengthen partnerships between the local government and private sector in delivering accessible and quality care.
Also present during the ceremony were City Administrator Anacleto Alcala Jr., City Budget Officer Rosalina Castillo, Keith Mikhal Tan, and Jeff Villanueva. Hospital and private sector representatives included Maria Louzel Diaz-Tiozon, Celso Bernard Lopez, and Shiela Tan-Marino.
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