BONTOC, Mountain Province – An executive order (EO) creating the Mountain Province Center Control Program Committee (MPCCPC) was moved for adoption by the members of the Provincial Health Board (PHB) last February 19, 2025.
The MPCCPC was conceptualized in response to the ongoing prevalence of cancer as one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the Philippines. Moreover, the realization of the committee is pursuant to the 1987 Philippine Constitution Article II, Section 15 and Republic Act No. 11223, otherwise known as Universal Health Care Act.
As stated in Sec 3 of the EO, the MPCCPC will hold the following roles and functions: develop and implement comprehensive cancer control strategies; coordinate with national health agencies for technical support, resources, and alignment with national cancer initiatives; establish cancer screening, referral, and awareness programs; monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of cancer control programs; advocate for policies and funding to support cancer care; ensure training and capacity-building programs for health professionals on cancer prevention, early detection, and patient care; and ensure access to palliative care services for cancer patients.
Meanwhile, the composition of the MPCCPC include the provincial governor of Mountain Province as chairperson, the provincial health officer as vice chairperson, a cancer specialist/oncologist as technical advisor, the provincial nutritionist/dietitian, the chiefs of hospital, municipal health officers, representative from the Philippine Red Cross–Mountain Province Chapter, the provincial epidemiologist, the Development Management Office V of the Provincial Department of Health Office, personnel from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, and representatives from the Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital and the Persons with Lived Experience.
According to PHB Chairperson and Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr., the objectives of the MPCCPC is timely and is vital as it would ultimately be for alleviating the conditions of cancer patients and their families as a whole. By MP-PIO
