E.P.I.C. Convention Successfully Showcased Integrated Compassionate Cancer Care
The Philippine Society of Oncologists, Inc. (PSO) successfully hosted its landmark 25th Midyear Convention on July 11, 2025, at the International Convention Center of Cavite State University in Indang, Cavite. This significant gathering, themed "E.P.I.C. - Empowering People Through Integrated Compassionate Cancer Care," brought together leading oncology professionals, healthcare institutions, and cancer advocacy organizations to advance comprehensive cancer care across the Philippines.
Strategic Partnership for Cancer Care Excellence
The convention represented a powerful collaboration between key healthcare stakeholders:
- Philippine Society of Oncologists, Inc. - The premier organization of cancer specialists in the Philippines
- Philippine Cancer Society - The country's leading cancer advocacy and patient support organization
- Cavite Medical Society - The provincial medical association ensuring local healthcare excellence
- Cavite State University - The educational institution advancing medical research and training
- Province of Cavite - The local government unit championing accessible healthcare services
This multi-institutional partnership underscored the importance of collaborative approaches in addressing the growing cancer burden in the Philippines and advancing the goals of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA).
Patient Navigation: A Cornerstone of Comprehensive Cancer Care
One of the convention's highlights was the Patient Navigation Lecture delivered by Dr. Maricar Sabeniano, a distinguished specialist in Palliative Medicine. 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.
The innovative Patient Navigation Program (PNaP) started catering to cancer patients in 2011. It aims at providing individualized assistance to marginalized Filipinos so that they may have access to timely, affordable and quality medical treatment. This groundbreaking initiative has served as a model for patient-centered care throughout the archipelago.
The Patient Navigation session, held from 10:45 AM to 11:15 AM, explored:
- Evidence-based approaches to patient navigation in cancer care
- Addressing healthcare disparities among different social and regional groups
- Integration of psychosocial support with medical treatment
- Building sustainable navigation programs in resource-limited settings
Comprehensive Cancer Care Focus
The convention's agenda reflected the multidisciplinary nature of modern oncology, featuring specialized sessions on:
Morning Sessions:
- Breast Cancer Lecture and Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) - Led by Dr. Alodee Mejia (Breast Surgeon) with Dr. Stephen Lowell Ciocon (Radiation Oncologist) as moderator
- Patient Navigation - Dr. Maricar Sabeniano's keynote presentation
- Lung Cancer Lecture and MDT - Featuring Dr. Maebritt Wincent Tibubos (Pulmonologist)
Afternoon Sessions:
- Cancer Control Efforts and NICCA Localization in Cavite - Presented by Ms. Adel Villa and Dr. Karen See
- Prostate Cancer Lecture and MDT - Dr. Ivan Alonzo (Uro-Oncologist) with Dr. Christian Cuaresma (Medical Oncologist)
- Colorectal Cancer Lecture and MDT - Dr. Mary Igot (Medical Oncologist) with Dr. Reiner John Villafuerte (Medical Oncologist)
- Palliative Care Lecture and MDT - Dr. Carlo Matanguihan (Palliative Medicine) with Dr. Carmela Maminta (Medical Oncologist)
Expert Leadership in Lung Cancer Management
Dr. Herdee Gloriane C. Luna, EAT-OM served as the moderator for the Lung Cancer session, bringing her expertise in medical oncology to facilitate discussions on the latest advances in lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and multidisciplinary management. Her role as an EAT-OM (Executive Action Team- Oncology Manager) affiliated specialist highlighted the international standards being brought to Philippine cancer care.
Successfully Addressed Healthcare Challenges Through Navigation
Physicians and local health workers should be equipped with tools to connect patients to social workers and other financial resources such as Abot Kamay Ako at ang Philippine Society of Medical Oncology, the Childhood Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Access Program, and Cancer Assistance Fund. Leveraging political levers and public-private partnerships is likely needed to further implementation of the NICCA. These partnerships can integrate financing for patient navigators, improve funding for care, and introduce social support programs.
The Patient Navigation Program addresses critical gaps in cancer care accessibility, particularly for marginalized communities across the Philippine archipelago. Training of Trainers on Patient Navigation Program · Patient Navigation Program / Medicine Access Program: It provides chemotherapy for early stage breast cancer and acute lymphocytic leukemia and other diagnostic standard procedures for eligible patients at no cost.
Vision for Integrated Cancer Care
The E.P.I.C. convention theme reflects the evolving understanding that effective cancer care requires:
- Empowerment of patients through education and advocacy
- People-centered approaches that address individual needs
- Integration of medical, psychosocial, and support services
- Compassionate care that recognizes the human dimension of cancer
Impact and Future Directions
This convention comes at a critical time as the Philippines implements the 2024-2028 National Integrated Cancer Control Program (NICCP) Strategic Framework, coinciding with the commemoration of the 5th anniversary of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA).
The collaboration between PSO, the Philippine Cancer Society, and local Cavite institutions demonstrates the multi-level approach needed to achieve the strategic goals of comprehensive cancer control. The focus on patient navigation reflects recognition that clinical excellence must be paired with accessible, culturally sensitive support systems.
Convention Details
Date: July 11, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Venue: International Convention Center, Cavite State University, Indang, Cavite
The convention concludes with closing ceremonies led by Dr. Warren Bacorro, President of the Philippine Society of Oncologists, Inc., marking not just the end of a day of learning but the beginning of renewed commitment to empowering people through integrated, compassionate cancer care across the Philippines.
Last October 28-29, 2024, the Philippine Cancer Society, together with Cavite Province, Cavite Medical Society and the Cavite State University, conducted the successful Cavite Province NICCA localization This EPIC landmark together with PSO is a continuing collaborative effort igniting the spirit needed to address cancer as both a medical challenge and a public health priority, with patient navigation serving as a bridge between clinical excellence and compassionate, accessible care for all Filipinos facing cancer.
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