HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS

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 than P760,000.00 worth of 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 ($7,500 for the 2005 Campaign on Hepa B Vaccination of infants), Helen H. Batto Memorial Fund ($1,000), Isabel Garcia’s estate, Dr. Lilia Lopez Borja Memorial Grant, and Metrobank Foundation (50,000.00PhP).  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.