Republic of the Philippines

Department of Health
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

August 23, 2019 -

MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR
No. 2019- 00%

TO : ALL UNDERSECRETARIES, ASSISTANT SECRETARIES,

DIRECTORS OF BUREAUS, SERVICES AND CENTERS FOR
HEALTH DEVELOPMENT; EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS OF
SPECIALTY HOSPITALS; CHIEFS OF MEDICAL CENTERS,
HOSPITALS, SANITARIA AND INSTITUTES; PRESIDENT OF
THE PHILIPPINE HEALTH INSURANCE CORPORATION;
DIRECTORS OF TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION
CENTERS; ATTACHED AGENCIES AND OTHERS
CONCERNED
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SUBJECT
: Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 11215
Otherwise known as the National Integrated Cancer Control Act

Attached for your information and guidance is a copy of Implementing Rules and
Regulations of Republic Act No. 11215 Otherwise known as the National Integrated Cancer
Control Act.

Dissemination of the information to all concerned is requested.

By Authority of the
jen Health:

LILIBETH C. DAVID, MD, MPH, MPM,

Undersecretary of Health
CESO
III
Health Facilities and Infrastructure Development Team

Building 1, San Lazaro Compound, Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, 1003 Manila e Trunk Line 651-7800 local 1113, 1108, 1135
Direct Line: 711-9502; 711-9503 Fax: 743-1829; 743-1786 @ URL: http://www.doh.gov.ph; e-mail: [email protected]
 IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS (RR)
OF THE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11215, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
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NATIONAL INTEGRATED CANCER CONTROL ACT |

Pursuant to the mandate of the Department of Health to administer and implement the
provisions of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act, the following Rules and Regulations are
hereby promulgated to effectively implement the provisions of the Republic Act No. 11215, “AN
ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING A NATIONAL INTEGRATED CANCER CONTROL
PROGRAM AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”:

Rule I: Introductory Provisions

1. Short Title
2. Declaration of Policy
3. Definition of Terms
Rule II. The National Integrated Cancer Control Program
> National Integrated Cancer Control Program
National Integrated Cancer Control Council
Nn Composition of the Council
Roles and Functions
oe Personnel Complement
Rule Hl. Quality Health Care Systems
9. Cancer Care Infrastructure
10. Philippine Cancer Center
11. Cancer Care Centers
12, Regional Cancer Center
13. Capacity Development
14. Oncology-Related Academic Curriculum
Rule IV. Cancer Awareness
15. Cancer Awareness Campaign
16. National Cancer Awareness Month
17. Health Education and Promotion in Schools, Colleges and Universities
 18. Health Education and Promotion in the Workplace
19. Health Education and Promotion in Communities
Rule V. Affordable Cancer Care and Treatment
20. Establishment of Cancer Assistance Fund
21. PhilHealth Benefits for Cancer
22. Social Protection Mechanisms
Rule VI. Essential Medicines
23. Cancer and Related Supportive Care Medicines
24. Palliative Care and Pain Management Medicines
Rule VII. Supportive Environment for Cancer Patients, Persons Living with Cancer and Cancer
Survivors
25. Persons with Disabilities
26. Rights and Privileges
27. .. Non-discrimination
Rule VIII Cancer Registry and Monitoring System
28. National Cancer Registry and Monitoring System
29. Hospital-Based Cancer Registry
.

30. Recording and Reporting of Cancer Cases

Rule IX. Transitory Provisions
31. Establishment of Cancer Control Division
32. National Integrated Cancer Control Council and its Secretariat
33. Philippine Cancer Center
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Rule X. Final Provisions

34. Annual Report
35. Appropriations
36. Separability Clause
37. Repealing Clause
38. Effectivity
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 RULE I
INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS

SEC. 1. Short Title. — These rules and regulations shall be known as the Implementing Rules and
Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 11215 known as the National Integrated Cancer Control
Act, or the “Rules”.

SEC. 2.Declaration of Policy. — Recognizing that cancer is a catastrophic disease and one of the
leading causes of death in the Philippines, the State shall adopt an inclusive, integrated and
comprehensive approach to health development, which includes the strengthening and
institutionalization of evidence-based integrative, multidisciplinary, people-, patient- and family-
centered cancer control policies, programs, systems, interventions and services at all levels of the
existing health care delivery system.

Towards this end, the State shall endeavor to prevent and control cancer and improve
cancer survivorship by scaling up essential programs and increasing investments for risk
assessment, robust primary prevention of cancer, better screening or early detection, prompt and
accurate diagnosis, timely referral and optimal treatment, surveillance, responsive palliative care
and pain management, effective survivorship care and late effects management, rehabilitation and
hospice care. It shall likewise make cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and care
more equitable, affordable, and accessible for all, especially for the underprivileged, poor and
marginalized Filipinos.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. — Whenever used in this Rules, the following terms shall have the
respective meanings hereafter set forth:

(a) Allied health care professionals refer to trained non-cancer health professionals such
as physicians, social workers, nurses, pharmacists, medical physicists, occupational therapists,
recreational therapists, dietitians, among others;
(b) Cancer refers to a generic term for a large group of diseases that can affect any part of
the body. Other terms used are malignant tumors and neoplasms. One defining feature of cancer
 is the rapid creation of abnormal cells that grow beyond their usual boundaries, and which can then
invade adjoining parts of the body and spread to other organs. Each type of cancer has its own
:

distinct clinical behavior and requires type-specific treatment. Moreover, within each cancer type
the prognosis also varies, depending on stage and molecular characteristics, requiring
individualized or personalized treatment. Cancer shall be categorized by age groups, in accordance
with local and global standards;
(c) Cancer control refers to the strategies to reduce the incidence, morbidity, disability,
and mortality and improve the quality of life of cancer patients, persons living with cancer and
cancer survivors in a defined population, through the systematic implementation of evidence-based
interventions for risk assessment, primary prevention, screening/early detection, diagnosis,
referral, optimal treatment and care, surveillance, rehabilitation, supportive care, palliative care
and pain management, survivorship follow-up care, reintegration, and hospice care or end-of-life
care;
... (d) Cancer diagnosis refers to the various techniques, procedures, diagnostics and new and
emerging technologies used to detect or confirm the presence, classification and stage of cancer;
(e) Cancer patients, persons living with cancer, cancer survivors refer to those who have
received the diagnosis of cancer. Strictly defined, cancer patients are those symptomatic and/or
under definitive or palliative treatment. Persons living with cancer are those with microscopic or
residual disease, asymptomatic or with subclinical symptoms on maintenance or supportive
treatment. Cancer survivors are those who have completed all of their anti-cancer therapy and
presently show no signs of the disease - that is, in remission, and now must go
with both fear of recurrence or relapse and perhaps encumbered by the side effects and
on
to face survival
consequences of their therapies;
(f) Cancer registry refers to a database that contains information about people diagnosed
and confirmed with various types of cancer. The registry shall require. systematic collection,
storage, analysis, interpretation and reporting of data on subjects with cancer. There are two (2)
main types of cancer registry:
(1) Population-based cancer registry, which refers to the collection of data on all new
cases of cancer occurring in a well-defined geographical population over specified time
periods, including mortality and survivorship, providing a framework for assessing and
 controlling the impact of cancer in the community, pertinent to public health policy and
program planning;
..(2) Hospital-based cancer registry, which refers to the recording of information on the
cancer patients diagnosed and treated in a particular hospital, including pathology and
treatment-outcome database for hospital administrative purposes and for reviewing
clinical performance, pertinent to quality operations of a hospital (single-hospital
registry) and can be evaluated compared to those of other hospitals (collective-hospital
registry);
(g) Cancer rehabilitation refers to a program that helps cancer patients, persons living with
cancer and cancer survivors maintain and restore physical and emotional well-being. Cancer
rehabilitation is available before, during and after cancer treatment;
(h) Cancer screening refers to the detection of precancerous lesions and cancer before
signs and symptoms start to appear. This may involve evidence-based blood tests, medical
imaging, urine test, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) tests and other tests;
(i) Cancer surveillance refers to the monitoring for cancer recurrence or progression after
treatment;
(j) Cancer survivorship refers to the period starting at the time of disease diagnosis and
continues throughout the rest of the patient’s life. Family, carers and friends are also considered
related survivors. Survivorship care has three (3) distinct phases: living with, through, and beyond
cancer;
(k) Cancer treatment refers to the series of evidence-based multidisciplinary interventions
that are: (1) aimed at curing and controlling the progression of cancer such as surgery,
radiotherapy, radioisotope therapy, and drug therapy, including chemotherapy, hormonotherapy,
biotherapeutics, immunotherapy, gene therapy, and other interventions; (2) aimed at improving
the patient’s quality of life such as supportive-palliative care, pain control, psychosocial,
nutritional, and hospice care;
(1) Carer refers to anyone who provides care for cancer patients, persons living with cancer,
cancer survivors and family members;
(m) Case ascertainment refers to the request for the use of health facility data sources to
identify and recruit all eligible cases to be included in the cancer registry database (no missing
case/no double entry);
 (n) Case inclusion refers to the fulfillment of registry eligibility criteria characteristics that
the prospective case must have
if he is to be included theregistry;
in

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(0) Child life services refer to developmentally appropriate interventions for children and
youth which include therapeutic play and other modalities, preparation and education about the
illness and medical procedures that reduce fear, anxiety, and pain; focus on the social and
emotional impact of illness and hospitalization, striving to promote a positive hospital experience
for children;
(p) Comprehensive cancer care center refers to a care center that is multidisciplinary and
integrates clinical care, education and research to accelerate the control and cure of cancer;
(q) Continuum of cancer care refers to delivery of comprehensive integrated health care
services, which includes evidence-based interventions for risk assessment, primary prevention,
screening/early detection, diagnosis, referral, optimal treatment and care, surveillance,
rehabilitation, supportive care, palliative care and pain management, survivorship follow-up care,
reintegration, and hospice care or end-of-life care;
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(tr) Evidence-based refers to a systematic approach to the acquisition, appraisal and

application of best available current research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient’s values and
preferences to guide decisions in healthcare;
(s) Health Technology Assessment (HTA)refers to the systematic evaluation of properties,
effects or impact of health-related technologies, devices, medicines, vaccines, procedures, and all
other health-related systems developed to solve a health problem and improve quality of lives and
health outcomes, utilizing a multidisciplinary process to evaluate the clinical, economic, social,
organizational and ethical issues of a health intervention or health technology;
(t) High-risk conditions refer to conditions within the workplace wherein the presence of
chemicals, pesticides, ionizing radiation and other known cause of cancer within the workplace
may affect the safety and/or health of workers not only within but also persons outside the premises
of the workplace. is high level of exposure to safety and health hazards and probability of
There

resulting to major illness as is likely to occur if no preventive or control measures are in

cancer

place;
(u) Hospice care refers to a component of palliative care of a chronically ill, terminally ill
or seriously ill patient’s pain and symptoms, otherwise known as end-of-life care that consists of
 medical, psychological, spiritual and practical support for patients unable to perform self-care and
with declining conditions despite definitive treatment and other disease modifying interventions;

(v) Integrated refers to a practice that emphasizes the combination of diverse practitioners
and their different therapies into one practice providing seamless cancer management pathways to
meet patient needs through all levels of care;
r

(w) Integrative refers to a practice that offers multiple and diverse therapies — both
evidence-based informed conventional and complementary therapies;
(x) Management of late effects refers to the recognition, assessment and management of
effects that may occur months or years after cancer treatment;
(y) Metastasis refers to the spread of cancer cells from the place where they first formed
to new areas of the body often by way of the lymph system or bloodstream;
(z) Multidisciplinary patient care refers to an integrated team approach to cancer care in
which medical and allied health care professionals discuss and consider all relevant evidence-
based treatment options and develop collaboratively an individual care plan for each patient;
National Integrated Cancer Control Program refers to the program of the national
(aa)

government for the comprehensive and integrated control of cancer in the Philippines;
(bb) Notifiable disease refers to a disease that, by legal requirements, must be reported to
the public health authority when the diagnosis is made;
(cc) Optimal treatment and care refers to a quality treatment and care that adheres to
evidence-based clinical practice guidelines and standards;

(dd) Organized cancer screening refers to an explicit policy with defined age categories,
method, and interval for screening in a defined target population with a defined implementation
and quality assurance structure, and tracking of cancer in
the population;
(ce) Palliative care refers to a systematic and organized approach to
care that improves the
quality of life of patients and their families facing problems associated with life-threatening or life-
limiting illness, through anticipation, prevention and relief of suffering by means of early
identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems throughout the
_
continuum of illness which involves addressing physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual
needs and access to information;
(ff) Patient navigation refers to individualized assistance provided at the community or in
the hospital, through all the phases of cancer experience, offered to cancer patients, persons living
with cancer, cancer survivors, families and carers to help overcome health care system barriers
and facilitate timely access to quality medical and psychosocial care and practical support

beginning from pre-diagnosis and extending throughout the continuum of care;

(gg) Patient care pathway refers to the route that a patient shall take from theirfirst contact
with the health worker, through referral, to the completion of their treatment. Jt also covers the
period from entry into a hospital or a health care facility, until the patient leaves and returns to the
community;
(hh) Psychosocial support program refers to practical support consisting of needs-based
assistance on non-medical costs such as financial assistance for diagnosis, treatment, survivorship
follow-up care; funeral assistance; education assistance; transient housing or home support for the
family/other siblings; transportation, food and nutrition; emotional support initiatives for cancer
patients, persons living with cancer, cancer survivors and their families to reduce emotional
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distress and improve well-being;

Gi) Secondary cancer refers to either a second cancer unrelated to the primary cancer or to
cancer that has spread (metastatic cancer) from the place where it first started to another part of
the body; and
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(ij) Supportive care refers to prevention and management of the adverse events of cancer
and its treatment which includes management of any and all side effects across the continuum of
the cancer experience including, but not limited to, physical and psychological symptoms which
adversely affect the quality of life of cancer patients, persons living with cancer and cancer
survivors.

RULE 0
THE NATIONAL INTEGRATED CANCER CONTROL PROGRAM

SEC. 4. National Integrated Cancer Control Program. — Thereis hereby established a National

Integrated Cancer Control Program, under the Cancer Control Division of the Disease Prevention
and Control Bureau (DPCB), which shall serve as the framework for all cancer-related activities
of the government, The program shall have the following objectives:

(a) Decrease the overall mortality, morbidity and impact of all adult and childhood cancer;
 (b) Lessen the incidence of preventable cancer and treatment-related morbidities in
children and adults;
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(c} Prevent and manage cancer recurrence, metastasis and secondary cancer among
survivors and persons living with cancer;

(d) Prevent and reduce lost to follow-up and treatment default, which is the patient’s
voluntary discontinuance of treatment for more than four (4) weeks;
(e) Provide timely access to diagnosis and optimal cancer treatment and care for all cancer
patients, persons living with cancer and cancer survivors;
(f) Make cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment and care more equitable, affordable and
accessible for all;
(g) Improve the experience of cancer treatment and careof patients and families;
(h) Support the recovery and reintegration to society of cancer survivors; and
(i) Eliminate various forms of burden on patients, persons living with cancer, survivors and
.
their families. .

SEC. 5. National Integrated Cancer Control Council. — There is hereby created a multisectoral
National Integrated Cancer Control Council, hereinafter referred to as the Council, which shall act
as the policy making, planning and coordinating body on cancer control, attached to the DOH. The
Council shall provide technical guidance and support and oversee the implementation of this
Rules, ensuring judicious and best use of available resources for the benefit of all, especially the
most vulnerable sectors of society, the elderly, women and children, the poor, marginalized and
disadvantaged.

SEC. 6. Composition of the Council. — The Council shall be composed of the following:

(a) The Secretary of Health, or a designated representative, with a rank not lower than
Assistant Secretary, as chairperson in an ex officio capacity;

(b) A vice chairperson, who shall be elected by the non ex officio members, from among
themselves, and who shall serve for a term of three (3) years;
(c) Ex officio members consisting of the following:
(1) Secretary of Social Welfare and Development, or a designated representative;
 (2) Secretary of Labor and Employment, or a designated representative;
(3) Secretary of the Interior and Local Government, or a designated representative;

(4) President and Chief Executive Officer of the Philippine Health Insurance
Corporation (PhilHealth), or a designated representative; and
(5) Director General of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or a designated
representative;
All the ex officio members shall assign an official alternate representative for which
guidelines will be issued.
(d) Two (2) medical doctors, who must be citizens and residents of the Philippines, of good
moral character, of recognized probity and independence, have distinguished themselves
professionally in public, private, civic or academic service in the field of oncology, and must have
been in the active practice of their professions for at least ten (10) years, chosen from at least five
(5) persons recommended by
the Secretary of Health, to be appointed by the President for a term
of three (3) years; and
(ec) Three (3) representatives from cancer-focused patient support organizations and
advocacy network, to be appointed by the President for a term of three (3) years from the
list of
organizations and advocacy network recommended by the Secretary of Health. One of the three
(3) representatives shall be a cancer patient, person living with cancer or cancer survivor.

The Council shall utilize the services and facilities of the DPCB under the DOH as the
Secretariat of the Council.

The non ex officio members may receive honoraria in accordance with existing laws, rules
and regulations.

Any vacancy in the Council shall be replaced accordingly for the remaining term in the
same manner herein provided.

SEC. 7. Roles and Functions. The Council shall formulate policies, programs and reforms that
—

enhance the synergy among stakeholders and ensure a well-coordinated, effective, inclusive and

10
 oF
s

sustainable implementation of the provisions of this Rules. It shall, as necessary, create experts’
groups or technical working groups.
The following are the key tasks of the Council:
(a) Develop inclusive, integrated and responsive cancer control policies and programs
tailored to the socioeconomic context and epidemiological profiles of the Philippines which aim
to improve cancer survivorship, make cancer care more equitable, accessible and affordable,
expand cancer care to include the whole continuum of cancer care, promote integrated,
multidisciplinary, developmentally-appropriate, people-, patient- and family-centered care, and
enhance the well-being and quality of life of cancer patients, persons living with cancer, cancer
survivors and their families;
(b) Develop the National Integrated Cancer Control roadmap with annual targets, priorities
and performance benchmarks, for the effective institutionalization and phased implementation of

.. Strategies, policies, programs and services in the national and local health care system;
(c) Develop, adapt, update and promote evidence-based organized screening, diagnostic
and treatment standards and guidelines for
all adult and childhood cancer,of all stages, including
the management of late effects;
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(d) Develop innovative and cost-effective cancer care service models for effectively
delivering integrated cancer care in the most appropriate settings and improve patient care flow
from primary to tertiary care and back;
(e) Develop clearly defined patient care pathways and evidence-based standards of care for
the network of cancer centers;
/

(f) Set quality and accreditation standards for oncology-focused health service facilities,
ethical cancer research and development, health care providers, medical professionals and allied
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health care professionals;

(g) Monitor and assess the phased implementation of prioritized packages of cancer
services for all ages and all stages of cancer, ensuring that they are provided in an equitable,
affordable, accessible and sustainable manner, atall levels of care;
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(h) Recommend responsive and proactive diagnostics and medicines access programs,
including improvements of core systems and processes related to the following in accordance to
existing laws and DOH guidelines:

11
 (1) Availability and affordability of quality, safe, and effective medicines;
(2) Increased access to cost effective vaccinations to prevent infection-associated
.

cancer;
(3) Availability and affordability of quality, safe, and effective diagnostics for cancer;
(4) Innovative medicines and technologies; and
(5) Protocols for drugs for compassionate use, as necessary;
_
@ Establish mechanisms and platforms for multisectoral and multi-stakeholder
collaboration, coordination, and cooperation, especially in health promotion, disease prevention,
capacity development, education, training and learning, use of information and communications
technology, social mobilization and resource mobilization;
(j) Establish mechanisms and platforms for patient, family and community engagement,
especially on protection and promotion of the rights of patients, persons living with cancer,
survivors and their families and their active involvement in multidisciplinary patient care, patient

navigation, survivors’ follow-up care. and ethical research;

(k) Strengthen linkages with local and international organizations for possible partnerships
in screening, diagnosis, treatment, palliative/hospice care and management of challenging and rare
cases, education, training and learning, advocacy, research and development, resource
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mobilization and funding assistance;

Institute the provision of psychosocial support program, palliative/hospice care, and
(1)

child life services in all appropriate hospitals and facilities; ,

(m) Establish a system for program review, monitoring and evaluation, inclusive of
financial aspects, and submit an annual report and recommendation to the Secretary of Health on
the progress, accomplishments and implementation challenges encountered; and
.

(n) Secure from government agencies and other stakeholders, recommendations and plans
pertinent to the respective mandates of
the agencies and other stakeholders for the implementation
of the provisions this
_

of Rules.

SEC. 8. Personnel Complement. — To ensure the effective implementation and

institutionalization of this Rules, the personnel complement for the National Integrated Cancer
Control Program in the DPCB of the DOH shall be increased.

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 ~

A Cancer Control Division shall be created under the DPCB. A Cancer Control Division
Chief shall be designated to provide operational leadership, undertake coordination with program
stakeholders and ensure effective, efficient and sustainable implementation of the National
Integrated Cancer Control Program. The Secretary of Health, in coordination with the Secretary
of Budget and Management (DBM), shall create the additional permanent plantilla positions for
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health personnel and staff required in the program/division.

The Cancer Control Division shall have the following functions:

(a) Serve as the technical Secretariat of the Council;

(b) Conduct researches, assessments, monitoring and evaluation in aid of policy
development and formulation of standards, plans and guidelines as directed by the Council for the
implementation of the National Integrated Cancer Control Program; oe
(c) Develop and implement, as part-of the Cancer Awareness Program, multi-sectoral and
multi-stakeholder cancer literacy-focused ‘initiatives through diverse modalities of public
education, behavior change communication and social mobilization, in collaboration with the
DOH-Health Promotion Bureau and other stakeholders;
(d) Monitor and assess program implementation and compliance to standards and
guidelines for all the key program components in all regional offices and cancer care facilities;
(e) Monitor compliance to standards and guidelines related to the operations of the National
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Cancer Registry, in collaboration with the DOH-Epidemiology Bureau, DOH-Knowledge

Management and Information Technology Service, the Philippine Cancer Center, and other
partners;
(f) Asséss oncology-related needs and resources in order to formulate, implement and
evaluate capacity development programs; .

(g) Recommend to the Council possible collaborative partners from international, national
and local agencies regarding cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, palliative/ hospice care and
management of challenging and rare cases, education, training and learning, advocacy, research
and development, resource mobilization and funding assistance;
(h) Ensure equitable, affordable and accessible diagnostics, therapeutics and palliative care
medicines in all cancer centers including information and compliance with DOH pricing guidelines

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 and medicines access schemes, and shall facilitate the inclusion of innovative anti-cancer
medicines for compassionate use as well as supportive and pain management medicines into the
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Philippine National Formulary in collaboration with the FDA, DOH-Pharmaceutical Division, and
other partners;
(i) Establish a system where results from monitoring, evaluation and program review shall
be provided as recommendations to the Council for policy and decision making;
(j) Coordinate with government agencies and other stakeholders for their recommendations
and plans pertinent to the respective mandates for the implementation of the provisions
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of this
Rules; and
(k) Other functions as directed by the Secretary of Health and the Council.

RULE Ill
QUALITY HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS

SEC. 9. Cancer Care Infrastructure. — The DOH, local government units (LGUs), and other
government agencies concerned shall strengthen the capability of public health systems and
facilities, provision of services and continuum of cancer care, through the following key activities:
‘(a) Based on local investment plan for health (LIPH) and the Philippine Health Facility
Development Plan, allocate adequate resources for investments in health facility renovation or
upgrade, inclusive of technologies and equipment for use in risk assessment, primary prevention,
screening/early detection, diagnosis, referral, treatment, surveillance, rehabilitation, survivorship
and follow-up care, palliative care and pain management, and hospice care or end-of-life care;
(b) Develop robust and effective patient referral pathways across levels of health service
delivery; .

(c) Provide reliable supply of cancer drugs and cancer control related vaccines to patients
by ensuring that health facilities and local health centers have sufficient supply of essential
medicines and vaccines;
(d) Enhance the oncology-related competencies of health providersin all levels of care and
the capacity to collaborate and work effectively in integrated, multidisciplinary settings;

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 (e) Institute workplace retention programs for priority oncology and oncology-related
disciplines where shortage exist, and in underserved areas where there are no oncology-related
.
practitioners;
(f) Establish clear standards and guidelines for patient care, psychosocial support, palliative
care and pain management, and cancer-focused patient navigation for individuals and communities
and to clearly provide individualized or personalized support during the cancer journey, facilitating
access to information and resources as needed, throughout the continuum of cancer care;
(g) Establish and strengthen community level of care for cancer patients, persons living
with cancer and cancer survivors, of all genders and ages at all stages, as well as cancer support
groups in cancer centers;
(h) Ensure the proper recording, reporting and monitoring of cancer cases of all genders
at all stages, in all levels of care;
.

and ages

(i) Network and link-up with comprehensive cancer care centers, regional cancer centers,
specialty. centers, privately managed cancer centers and relevant health facilities and international
institutions for knowledge and resource sharing, and shared care;
(j) Ensure the availability of multidisciplinary, certified cancer care professionals in
comprehensive cancer care centers, regional cancer centers, specialty cancer centers, cancer
treatment satellites and relevant health facilities; and
(k) All other activities and initiatives as may be identified by the Council.

SEC. 10. Philippine Cancer Center. — There shall be established a Philippine Cancer Center
under the control and supervision of the DOH, to be headed by an Executive Director.

The Philippine Cancer Center shall be established as the center of excellence in cancer
care, research and development and capacity development. Its services shall be complemented by
(a) designated comprehensive cancer care centers that include regional cancer centers and specialty
cancer centers, (b) cancer treatment units and (c) outpatient facilities that include cancer treatment
satellites and cancer care clinics. The multidisciplinary nature of cancer care requires that
infrastructure, equipment, oncology-related expertise and treatment options are available. It shall
have patient accommodation/services mandated in the law. The transitory arrangements as
provided by the DOH shall be in phases so that all elements shall be fulfilled.

15
 Other comprehensive specialty cancer centers shall be designated in high population and
high-risk areas outside Metro Manila.

The Center shall have the following purposes and objectives:

(a) To ensure strategic alignment with national cancer control plans and programs;
(b) To oversee the network of cancer care facilities, in collaboration with concerned DOH
units;
(c) To provide for accommodation, facilities, diagnosis, and medical treatment of patients
suffering from cancer, subject to the rules and regulations of the Center;
(d) To lead, promote, and engage
encourage in
ethical scientific research on prevention and

diagnosis of cancer and the care and treatment of cancer patients and related activities;
(ce) To stimulate and underwrite scientific ‘researches on the biological, demographic,
. social, economic, physiological aspects of cancer, its abnormalities and control; encompass the
whole range of research from basic science, animal to clinical trials, health operations and field
research; and gather, compile, and publish the findings of such researches for public dissemination
and development of policy and clinical practice guidelines;

(f) To assist universities, hospitals and research institutions in their studies of cellular
anomalies, including rare cancers to encourage advanced training on matters of, or affecting the
human cell, and related fields and to support educational programs of valueto general health;
(g).To encourage and undertake the training of physicians, pathologists, nurses, medical
and laboratory technologists, other oncology-related health professionals, health officers and
social workers on the practical and scientific conduct and implementation of cancer health care
services, and related activities;
.

(h) To serve as knowledge and learning center for institutionalization of best practice
.

models and effective innovations in cancer control;

(i) To be the primary repository of all registries in the country related to cancer, and to
generate data and analysis to be used for research and to influence policy making and planning;
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(j) To serve as the point of contact for international institutions for networking to
continuously improve the Center and contribute to global development in cancer control; and
(k) Other functions as directed by the Secretary of Health.
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SEC. 11. Cancer Care Centers. —~ The Secretary of Health or his designated representative, in
coordination with the Council, shall. develop guidelines and standards to classify, accredit and
designate government and private comprehensive cancer care centers, regional cancer centers,
specialty cancer centers, stand-alone specialty cancer centers, and cancer treatment satellites or
stand-alone clinics.

A comprehensive cancer care center shall have the infrastructure, equipment, technical

capabilities and expertise to provide the highest level of services with teaching, training and
clinical research for all cancers including difficult and rare ‘cancers. Specialty cancer centers have
the capability to provide the highest level of services with teaching, training and clinical research
for type-specific, organ-specific, population-specific, gender-specific cancers. Comprehensive
cancer care centers and specialty cancer centers have the national, sub-national or regional
population as their catchment population.

In accordance with Section 38 of this Rules, the DOH shall provide for the minimum
required diagnostic, therapeutic, research capacities and facilities, technical, operational and
personnel standards of these centers, as well as the appropriate licensing and accreditation
requirements, and procedure for licensing in a timely manner. The use of Public Private
Partnership shall be allowed on the procurement of cancer care infrastructure and delivery of goods
and services to improve access to and services to hasten delivery of essential oncological services
and promote efficiency in fiscal utilization for cancer programs and projects. Private institutions

may also be accredited as comprehensive cancer care centers, regional cancer centers, specialty
cancer centers, stand-alone specialty cancer centers, and cancer treatment satellites or stand-alone
clinics, provided they comply with the requirements for such accreditation.

SEC. 12. Regional Cancer Center. —The objectives and functions of a regional cancer center are
as follows:

(a) Provide timely, developmentally appropriate, and high-quality cancer services such as
risk assessment, primary prevention, screening/early detection, diagnosis, referral, optimal

17
treatment and care, surveillance, rehabilitation, supportive care, palliative care and pain
management, survivorship follow-up care, reintegration, and hospice care or end-of-life care, to
cancer patients of all. genders and ages; shall be responsible for the compliance to the
multidisciplinary patient care and translation of this approach within the Center;
(b) Establish, as necessary, networks with both public and private facilities to improve

access, expand range of services, reduce costs and bring services closer to patients;
(c) Provide and promote supportive care, palliative care and pain management, patient
navigation, hospice care, and other measures to improve the well-being and quality life of cancer
of

patients, persons living with cancer, cancer survivors, their families and carers;
(d) Provide separate units and facilities for children, adolescents, and elderly with cancer
and ensure that such children, adolescents and elderly are not mixed with the general population;

(e) Design and implement high-impact, innovative, and relevant local communications
campaigns that are context and culture-sensitive, and aligned with national programs;
|

(f) Undertake and support the training of physicians, pathologists, nurses, medical and
laboratory technologists, other oncology-related health professionals, pharmacists, health officers,
social workers, and other allied health care professionals on evidence-based and good practice
models for the delivery of responsive, multidisciplinary, integrated cancer services;
(g) Address the psychosocial and rehabilitation needs of cancer patients, persons living
with cancer and survivors;
(h) Adopt and promote evidence-based innovations, good practice models, equitable,
sustainable strategies and actions across the continuum of cancer care;
(i) Engage and collaborate with LGUs, private sector, philanthropic institutions, cancer-
focused patient support, advocacy organizations and civil society organizations (CSOs) to make
available programs and services and practical assistance to cancer families and cancer survivors;
and

(j) Participate, promote and assist in ethical scientific research on matters related to cancer.

SEC. 13. Capacity Development. — The DOH, in collaboration with cancer-focused professional
societies, accredited specialty/ subspecialty training institutions, LGUs leagues and LGU-based
health associations, academic institutions, human resources units of cancer care centers, CSOs,
and the private sector, shall formulate, implement, and update capacity development programs.

18
 Ecosystems including infrastructure, continuing professional development and increased practice
pathways for specialization, integrated multidisciplinary care and interdisciplinary shared clinical
knowledge shall be developed to enable all health care workers and allied health care professionals
to provide high-quality integrated cancer care service and support at all levels of the health care
delivery system.

The DOH, in collaboration with LGUs, Technical Education and Skills Development
Authority (TESDA), CSOs and other stakeholders, shall continue to enhance competencies of
community health workers in cancer patient navigation and health education for basic information
on cancer such as signs and symptoms, and myths and misconceptions.

Cancer literacy and core oncology-related competencies of health care and allied health
care professionals, based in workplaces and academic institutions, shall be continuously enhanced
.
through appropriate learning modalities.

SEC. 14. Oncology-Related Academic Curriculum. — The Commission on Higher Education

(CHED), in collaboration with the DOH,’ PRC, higher education institutions (HEIs), cancer-
focused professional societies, accrediting institutions, patient support organizations and other
relevant organizations, shall undertake an assessment of current oncology-related academic
curriculum and ensure that the curriculum meets local needs and global practice standards. The
CHED shall encourage HEIs to offer degree programs for high priority oncology-related

specializations and continuing education programs related to oncological treatment and care.

The DOH, in collaboration with academic and training institutions, shall source funds to
provide subsidies and scholarships for training of oncology professionals of public hospitals, such
as medical and pediatric oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, cancer surgeons,
palliative care specialists, specialized radiation technologists, medical physicists, oncology nurses,
and other specialized oncology professionals.

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 RULE IV
CANCER AWARENESS

SEC. 15. Cancer Awareness Campaign. — The DOH together with relevant government
agencies, the LGUs and all stakeholders, including community health workers, shall intensify its
cancer awareness campaign and provide the latest and evidence-based information for the
prevention and treatment of cancer including practical advice, support and referral pathway for
cancer patients, persons living with cancer, cancer survivors, their families and carers. The DOH,
in collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology, shall make
full use of any existing available latest technology and other emerging technologies to disseminate
information to reach every Filipino.

The awareness campaign must aim to increase cancer literacy and understanding of risk
.
factors associated with cancer, dispel myths, misconceptions and false claims about cancer, and
reduce the anxiety, fear, distress and uncertainty related to cancer.

SEC. 16(A). National Cancer Awareness Month. — The month of February of every year shall
be known as the “National Cancer Awareness Month” throughout the Philippines. The DOH, in
collaboration with national government agencies, LGUs, CSOs, patient support organizations,
cancer-focused professional and medical societies or associations, academic institutions and other
stakeholders, shall lead the observance of National Cancer Awareness Month.

To intensify cancer awareness and increase cancer literacy, annual multi-sectoral

.

‘campaigns focused on
atleast the following cancer sites and celebrations at specified months shall
be done: Liver — January; National Cancer Awareness — February; Colorectal — March; Cervix —
May; Prostate and Cancer Survivors Day — June; International Childhood Cancer Awareness and
Thyroid — September; Breast — October; Lung — November. In addition, a Calendar of Events for
other Cancer Awareness Months shall be observed regularly by LGUs, CSOs, academic
institutions and cancer-focused professional societies, in coordination with DOH.

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 SEC. 16(B). Behavioral Outcomes. — The conduct of health education and promotion in academic
institutions, workplaces and communities includes awareness raising campaigns as well as
. learning sessions. It shall achieve the following behavioral outcomes:

(a) For the well population: (1) adopting healthy lifestyle and healthy diets, (2)
participating in cancer screening activities, (3) availing of age appropriate cancer related
immunization, and (4) showing care, respect and support for cancer patients, persons living with

cancer and cancer survivors.

(b) For cancer patients, persons living with cancer and cancer survivors: (1) availing of
appropriate cancer-related services, (2) completing full course of treatment, and (3) timely
compliance with required follow up.

SEC. 17. Health Education and Promotion in Schools, Colleges, and Universities. — The
CHED and the Department of Education (DepEd), in coordination with the DOH, shall develop
policies and provide technical guidance to academic institutions and administrators to:

(a) Promote and facilitate integration of age-appropriate and gender-sensitive key messages
on cancer risk factors, early warning signs and symptoms of adult and childhood cancer, cancer
prevention and control, and adoption of healthy lifestyles and healthy diets in their curriculum,
health and wellness programs, co-curricular, extracurricular and after-school activities;
(b) Undertake mainstreaming of practical supportive care and psychosocial support
programs for cancer patients, persons living with cancer, cancer survivors, and their family
members, especially those who act as carers for cancer patients;
(c) Adopt initiatives that minimize or eliminate stigma and discrimination in schools,
colleges, and universities that are experienced by cancer patients, persons living with cancer,
cancer survivors and their families;
(d) Undertake alternative education modalities for children, adolescents, young adults with
cancer who cannot attend regular school, as well as for those whose regular schooling is disrupted
due
to special circumstances related to cancer in the family (such as a sick parent who cannot bring
children to school, young adult takes responsibility for patient care,.expenditure for patient care
takes priority over schooling, etc.);

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 (ec) Adopt cancer preventive, promotive and other health initiatives appropriate for the
education setting in collaboration with the DOH;
,

(f) Enhance cancer-related competencies of allied health care professionals through

trainings, workshops or other appropriate learning modalities;
(g) Increase cancer awareness, strengthen cancer prevention and control services by
embedding these topics in orientations, seminars, trainings and other appropriate learning
modalities of the organization/institution; and
(h) Network and institutionalize a referral system/pathway for cancer risk assessment,
primary prevention, screening/early detection and diagnosis and other services required by
organizations/institutions for cancer patients, persons living with cancer and cancer survivors.

SEC. 18. Health Education and Promotion in the Workplace. — The Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE), Civil Service Commission (CSC) and TESDA, in coordination with the
.
DOH, shall develop policies and provide technical guidance to employers, employees associations,
and unions to:

(a) Promote and facilitate integration of gender-sensitive key messages on cancer risk
factors, early warning signs and symptoms of adult cancer and childhood cancer, cancer prevention
and control, adoption of healthy lifestyles and healthy diets, in their communication initiatives,
health and wellness programs, and employee development programs;
(b) Undertake mainstreaming of practical supportive care and psychosocial support
programs for cancer patients, persons living with cancer, cancer survivors, and their family
members;
.

(c) Integrate appropriate cancer services in their health services and clinics;
(d) Develop programs, initiatives or mechanisms that shall minimize or eliminate stigma
and discrimination in the workplace that are experienced by cancer patients, persons living with

cancer, cancer survivors, and their families;

(e) Develop workplace programs to prevent, mitigate and manage exposure to
hazardous/high-risk conditions in accordance with the country’s Occupational Safety and Health
(OSH) standards;

22
 (f) Advocate for cancer awareness, prevention and control services through orientations,
seminars, and trainings; and
(g) Network and institutionalize a referral system/ pathway for cancer risk assessment,
primary prevention, screening/early detection and diagnosis and other services required by
organizations/institutions for cancer patients, persons living with cancer and cancer survivors.

SEC. 19. Health Education and Promotion in Communities. — The DILG and LGUs, in
collaboration with the DOH Central and regional offices, local cancer-focused patient support
organizations and cancer-focused professional societies, shall lead the health education and
promotion campaign in local communities, including out-of-school youth. The DILG, in
coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), shall conduct and
promote age-appropriate and gender-sensitive cancer-focused health education.

RULE V
AFFORDABLE CANCER CARE AND TREATMENT

SEC, 20. Establishment of Cancer Assistance Fund. — There is hereby established a Cancer
Assistance Fund to support cancer medicine and treatment assistance program. The DOH shall
manage the Fund in accordance with existing budgeting, accounting and auditing rules and
regulations; shall develop a mechanism and metrics on its availment and sustainable operation;
and shall make a quarterly report to the Office of the President and Congress on the disbursement
of the Fund.

The DOH may solicit and receive donations which shall form part of the Fund. Such
donations from both local and foreign shall be exempt from income or donor’s tax and all other
taxes, fees and charges imposed by the government. Likewise, fund-raising activities may be
conducted by the Council and the proceeds of which shall accrue to the Fund and shall be exempt
from any and all taxes.
Receipts from donations, whether in cash or in kind, shall be accounted for in the books of
the donee government agency in accordance with accounting and auditing rules and regulations.

23
 The receipts from cash donations and proceeds from sale of donated commodities shall be
deposited with the National Treasury and recorded as a special account in the General Fund and
-
shall be available to the implementing agency concerned through a special budget pursuant to
Section 35, Chapter 5, Book VI of Executive Order No. 292. The cash value of the donations shall
be deemed automatically appropriated for the purpose specified by the donor. Donations with a
term not exceeding one (1) year shall be treated as trust receipts.

The donee-agency concerned shall submit the quarterly reports of all donations received,
whether in cash or in kind, and expenditures or disbursements thereon with electronic signature to
the DBM, through the Unified Reporting System, and to the Speaker of the House of
Representatives, the President of the Senate of the Philippines, the House Committee on
Appropriations, the Senate Committee on Finance and the Commission on Audit, by posting such

reports on the donee-agency concemed websites for a period of three (3) years. The head of the
donee-agency concerned shall send written notice to the said offices when said reports have been
posted on its website which shall be considered the date of submission.

SEC. 21. PhilHealth Benefits for Cancer. — The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation shall
expand its benefit packages to include primary prevention, screening/early detection, diagnosis,
referral, optimal treatment and care, surveillance, rehabilitation, supportive care, treatment
assistance, palliative care and pain management, survivorship follow-up care, reintegration, and
hospice care or end-of-life care, for all types and stages of cancer, in both adults and children. It
shall also develop innovative benefits such as support for community-based models of care to
improve cancer treatment journey and reduce costs of care, including stand-alone chemotherapy
infusion centers, ambulatory care, community- or home-based palliative care and pain
management and community-based hospice facility. The development or expansion of any
PhilHealth benefit shall go through a proper, transparent and standardized prioritization setting
process of Health Technology Assessment and actuarial feasibility study to avoid inequitable
allocation of funds for health care services.

The Cancer Assistance Fund and PhilHealth benefits shall be made available in public and

private DOH-licensed cancer care centers. DOH and PhilHealth shall prescribe, in consultation

24
with stakeholders, the coverage rates and applicable rules on options to charge co-payment for
services rendered beyond the basic or minimum standards of PhilHealth benefits, which shall be
included in the contract of the accredited health care provider. Processes to avail of such funding
shall be streamlined to ensure timely provision of cancer care.

SEC. 22. Social Protection Mechanisms. — The DOH, in collaboration with the Social Security
System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes
Office, DOLE, CSC, DSWD, PhilHealth and LGUs, shall develop appropriate and easily
accessible social protection mechanisms for cancer patients, persons living with cancer, cancer
survivors, their families and carers. It shall aim to encourage and prioritize the underprivileged
and marginalized persons living with cancer to undergo the necessary treatment and care.

A Cancer Control Policy shall be established in every workplace with issuances coming
separately from the DOLE and CSC. It shall form part of employee benefits in the formal sector
covering the entire cancer care continuum from risk assessment, primary prevention including
genetic counselling and testing, screening/early detection, diagnosis, referral, optimal treatment
and care, surveillance, rehabilitation, supportive care, palliative care and pain management,
survivorship follow-up care, reintegration, and hospice care or end-of-life care.

The Insurance Commission shall mandate the Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)
to cover genetic counselling and testing, cancer screening, diagnostics and palliative care as well
as certain therapeutics of all member employees and individual members.

The cancer-related absences from work of member employees as well as voluntary

'

members shall be covered and compensated by the Sickness Benefits of SSS and Disability
Benefits of the GSIS, as the case maybe.

The employees in the informal sector shall be prioritized in the cancer control packages of
PhilHealth while the employees in the formal sector shall be offered cost-sharing PhilHealth
benefit packages.

25
 RULE VI
'

ESSENTIAL MEDICINES

SEC. 23. Cancer and Related Supportive Care Medicines. — The DOH and other concerned
government agencies shall implement reforms supporting early access to essential medicines,
innovative medicines and health technologies, to ensure highest possible chance of survival among
cancer patients and persons living with cancer. The reforms include facilitating quick access to
drugs for compassionate use, development of testing for quality and standards, adopting a more
responsive system for effectively addressing emergency cases and proposing the use of relevant
procurement modalities, rationalizing the pricing of cancer drugs, under the Government
Procurement Reform Act.

The DOH shall ensure access to essential medicines for cancer drugs listed in the Philippine
National Formulary (PNF) in the design of publicly funded programs. Cancer medicines listed in
the PNF and non-PNF medicines and other health technologies in the process of review or not
approved by the HTA Council may be
accessed through donations, special access schemes in the
private sector, and other available means properly coordinated with the DOH, in accordance with
-DOH rules and regulations.

The FDA
shall create a dedicated and streamlined process, not exceeding one (1) year, for
the licensing of innovator and generic cancer medication, subject to appropriate quality checks and
compliance with minimum standards, such as, but not limited to, being approved and used for
cancer treatment in other countries. The FDA shall develop, adopt and implement mechanisms to
improve performance and facilitate timely access to safe, effective and quality medicines and other
new and emerging health technologies. The FDA shall likewise strictly implement all relevant
issuances to ensure patient safety, welfare protection, and fair practice for products purported for

cancer treatment. The FDA

shall strengthen its pharmacovigilance system and establish a patient-
friendly mechanism to report any adverse events or reactions from cancer drugs.

SEC. 24, Palliative Care and Pain Management Medicines. — The DOH shall ensure sufficient
supply of medicines for palliative care and pain management that are available at affordable prices.

26
Further, the DOH shall formulate a monitoring system to check that pain and other regulated
medications are safe and appropriately administered in correct dosage according to the patient’s
age and current state of health while ensuring that health care providers have adequate knowledge,
attitude and skills in the use of palliative care and pain medications.
.
RULE VII
SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR CANCER PATIENTS, PERSONS WITH
CANCER AND CANCER SURVIVORS

SEC. 25. Persons with Disabilities. — Cancer patients, persons living with cancer and cancer
survivors are considered as persons with disabilities, thus, the National Council on Disability
Affairs (NCDA) and the local social welfare development offices shall issue the persons with

disability card to them in accordance with Republic Act No. 7277, as amended, otherwise known
as the “Magna Carta for Disabled Persons” and with Republic Act No. 10754 or “An Act
Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability.” The Philippine Registry for
Persons with Disability shall also be linked to appropriate DOH reporting mechanisms.

SEC. 26. Rights and Privileges. — The cancer patients, persons living with cancer and cancer
survivors are accorded the same rights and privileges as persons with disability and the DSWD
shall ensure that their social welfare and benefits provided under Republic Act No. 7277, as
amended, are granted to them. Further, the DOLE and CSC shall adopt programs, which promote
work and employment opportunities for able cancer patients, persons living with cancer and cancer
survivors as provided in Title 2, Chapter 1 of R.A. 7277.

SEC. 27. Non-discrimination. — The appropriate government agencies shall ensure that cancer
patients, persons living with cancer and cancer survivors are free from any form of discrimination
in school, workplace and community.

All existing policies of DOLE, CSC, DepEd, CHED, TESDA and DILG
on confidentiality,
non-discrimination, discrimination by association, non-termination/ non-admission of
employment/ schooling, reasonable accommodation, and provision of beneficial arrangements for

27
 workers/students considered as persons with disability shall equally apply to cancer patients,
persons living with cancer and cancer survivors. Hence, the following shall be considered as forms
.
of discrimination:

(a) For any educational institution or a person acting in behalf of an academic institution
to discriminate against a cancer patient, person living with cancer or a cancer survivor who has
successfully qualified with the admission requirements: (1) by refusing or failing to accept the
persons application as a student, (2) by denying, limiting or refusing the student access or
membership to student organizations, co-curricular, extra-curricular or other academic
pursuits/involvement, (3) by refusing or failing to permit reentry to academic institution during or
after cancer treatment, and (4) by subjecting the student to any other detriment or undue
disadvantage due to their having cancer.
(b) For an employer or a person acting on behalf of an employer to discriminate against a
cancer patient, person living with cancer or a cancer survivor and the immediate family members
of a cancer patient, person living with cancer, or a cancer survivor: (1) in the hiring process; (2) in
the terms and conditions of employment; (3) in limiting or denying opportunities for promotion,
transfer, training or access to any benefits associated with employment; and (4) in firing or
dismissal and subjecting the employee to any other detriment or undue disadvantage due to their
having cancer.
(c) Cancer patients, person living with cancer and cancer survivors be refused or denied
treatment and/or detained in any health facility, including issuance of death certificate to surviving
relatives, due to non-payment of hospital bills or medical expenses subject to Republic Act No.
10932, “Anti-Hospital Deposit Law,” and Republic Act No. 9439, “An Act Prohibiting the
Detention of Patients in Hospitals and Medical Clinics on Grounds of Nonpayment of Hospital
Bills or Medical Expenses.”

Complaints on discrimination, illegal termination of employment/ schooling, invasion of

worker’s/ students’ right to privacy, etc. shall be reported to the nearest concerned agencies for
proper action.

28
 Communities, employers and educational institutions must make reasonable adjustments,
prevent unjustifiable hardships and create a supportive environment for cancer patients, persons
living with cancer and cancer survivors and the immediate family members of a cancer patient,
person living with cancer or a cancer survivor during their employment, schooling and life in the
community. They must also adopt strategies and programs to prevent harassment, bullying or
victimization of cancer patients, persons living with cancer and cancer survivors.

RULE VIII
CANCER REGISTRY AND MONITORING SYSTEM

SEC. 28. National Cancer Registry and Monitoring System. — The DOH, in collaboration with
the Council and other stakeholders, shall establish a national cancer registry and monitoring

system, The registry must cover all forms of cancer among adults, children, and elderly and serve

as guide in the policy development of the Council. The national cancer registry shall be a
population-based cancer registry seeking to collect data on all new cases of cancer by geographical
region and within a specific time period to provide framework for assessing and controlling the
impact of cancer on the community. Population-based cancer registry compares and interprets
cancer incidence data, mortality and survival data, supports population-based actions aimed at
reducing cancer burden in the community, and plays a unique role in planning and evaluating
cancer control programs.

The national cancer registry shall include existing quality population-based cancer
registries and shall expand to other strategically defined geographical areas. Cancer registries shal]
form part of the Electronic Medical Records requirement of the DOH, and that it shall be in
accordance with the National Health Data Standards. The processing of personal data in these
-cancer registries shall be in accordance with Republic Act No. 10173, otherwise known as the
“Data Privacy Act of 2012”.

Registry data will be gathered from all hospitals and cancer clinics and LGU census offices
within the specified geographic area and time periods. The Philippine Statistics Authority shall
regularly provide a copy of cancer-related mortality data to the population-based cancer registry.

29
 Epidemiologic research pertinent to cancer incidence, mortality, survival and prevalence
-
shall be conducted as deemed necessary.

Cancer registries shall be designed to enable the sharing of information between hospital-
based registries and population-based registries through the Philippine Cancer Center, and sharing
of information between the cancer registries and PhilHealth as well as other international
organizations as may be absolutely necessary and appropriate, and subject to the implementation
of adequate safeguards for data privacy and security. Standards for data classification and
management procedures shall be adapted from World Health Organization-International Agency
for Research on Cancer (IARC). The scope of operations among hospital-based cancer registries
shall be similar to population-based registries, and includes case ascertainment, case inclusion,
data analysis and exchange, parameters for updating data on file, follow-up, policies and
procedures for adding new cases to the data set, publication, and staff qualifications and training.

SEC. 29. Hospital-Based Cancer Registry. — Every hospital, including clinics, shall have its own
childhood and adult cancer registry. Hospital-based cancer registry shall be used for reviewing
clinical performance for purposes of quality care improvement within the hospital. The registry
must record the personal identification of cancer patients, persons living with cancer, and cancer
survivors, cancer type, treatment received and its results and other data that the DOH may
prescribe. The regional offices of the DOH shall ensure that all hospitals within their respective
jurisdiction have cancer registry. The information shall be treated with utmost confidentiality and
shall not be released to third parties unless authorized under this Rules, or other applicable laws or
regulations allowing for disclosure, sharing, or outsourcing of the processing of personal data, in
accordance with R.A. 10173 or the “Data Privacy Act of 2012”.

Submission of the cancer registry data to the DOH, through the Philippine Cancer Center,
shall be a requirement for the renewal of
a license to operate a clinic or hospital.
of

DOH shall ensure personal data protection in all cancer registries maintained by and/or
submitted to it, while hospitals and clinics shall ensure similar protection in their respective cancer

30
registries, through the implementation of the appropriate organizational, physical, and technical
security measures to maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of personal data,
adherence to data privacy principles, and protection of rights of cancer patients, persons living
with cancer, and cancer survivors.

SEC. 30. Recording and Reporting of Cancer Cases. — Adult and childhood cancers are
considered as a notifiable disease in all levels of the health care system. Any hospital or
clinic
which diagnosed a patient with cancer shall report the same to the DOH. The DOH shall provide
the form and manner of reporting of cancer cases.
RULE IX
TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

SEC. 31. Establishment of Cancer Control Division. — Until the approval by DBM of the Cancer
Control Division and corresponding manpower complement, the Secretary of Health shall
designate an Officer-in-Charge (OIC) — Chief of the Cancer Control Division within 30 days from
the effectivity of this Rules. The appropriate number of contract of service personnel shall be hired
accordingly.

SEC. 32. National Integrated Cancer Control Council and its Secretariat. — The Council shall
be created and convened within 90 days following the effectivity of this Rules.

The current Cancer Control Program personnel shall serve as ad hoc secretariat of the
Council.

SEC. 33. Philippine Cancer Center. — Within 90 days from the effectivity of this Rules, the
transitional Philippine Cancer Center shall be established with corresponding manpower
complement.

31
 RULE X
FINAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 34. AnnualReport. — The Secretary of Health shall submit to the Committees on Health of
the Senate and the House of Representatives an annual report on the progress of the
implementation of this Rules.

SEC. 35. Appropriations. — The amount needed for the initial implementation of this Rules,
including maintenance and other operating expenses of the National Integrated Cancer Control
Program shall be charged against the current year’s appropriations of the DOH.

For the succeeding years, the amount allocated for the National Integrated Cancer Control
Program in the DOH budget shall. be based on strategic plan formulated by the Council in
coordination with other stakeholders, including maintenance and other operating expenses of the
National Integrated Cancer Control Program and the Cancer Assistance Fund. The amount should
be in the National Expenditure Program (NEP) as basis for the General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 36. Separability Clause. — If any provision or part hereof is declared invalid or
unconstitutional, the remainder of the provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in full force
and effect.

SEC, 37. Repealing Clause. — Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Rules, all other
issuances, administrative orders, rules or regulations or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC, 38. Effectivity. —- This Rules shall take effect fifteen (15) calendar days after its publication
in a newspaper of general circulation and upon filing with the National Administrative Register,
Law Center, University of the Philippines of three (3) certified copies of this Rules.

32
 The DOH, PhilHealth, FDA, CHED, DepEd, DOLE, CSC, TESDA, DILG, NCDA,
DSWD and other concerned government agencies shall issue the corresponding guidelines,
circulars or directives related to this Rules within 6 months after its effectivity and disseminate
such information to all concerned.

Approved:

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