DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) —President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the inauguration of the Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC) Cancer Institute on May 23, describing it as a significant development in improving access to cancer care and treatment for patients in the Ilocos Region.
Marcos Jr. said that the institute reaffirms the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and making quality care accessible to all Filipinos.
“I have always said that no matter how good our economy is, no matter how many jobs there are, or how high our salaries are, our countrymen do not feel it when they are sick. That is why we are focused on improving and strengthening our healthcare system,” Marcos Jr. said.
The President added that the facility would strengthen services through the collaboration and dedication of R1MC workers and researchers, who serve as the backbone of the institution.
He also expressed his support for cancer patients, assuring them that government assistance would ensure no one is left behind.
“And to every patient—parents praying, children hoping for mom or dad to heal—you are not alone. We are with you in this fight. Together we will heal and we will succeed,” he said.
DOH Undersecretary Achilles Gerard Bravo said the facility marks the beginning of a more inclusive healthcare service to be provided by the institution.
“To all our patients, rest assured that our service to you does not end here. This is only the beginning of more accessible, quality healthcare. May this institute give you hope in your journey toward healing,” Bravo said.
The new facility supports the implementation of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) by enhancing cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment programs.
Doctor Joseph Roland Mejia, Medical Center Chief II of R1MC, said the institute strengthens the regional cancer care network by fostering collaboration between government agencies, healthcare institutions, and cancer advocacy groups—resulting in more equitable cancer care services.
“The R1MC Cancer Institute offers a wide array of oncology services—from pediatric oncology and hematology, medical and radiation oncology, to gynecologic and surgical oncology, and palliative care,” Mejia said.
Mejia adds that the facility has already served 59,643 patients since its soft opening in June 2023.
The institute is also equipped with advanced cancer treatment rooms for safe and effective care services.
In the Computed Tomography (CT) Simulation Room, patients undergo scans that create clear images of their tumor and surrounding organs, helping doctors plan precise treatment.
In the Brachytherapy Room, radiation is placed inside or very close to the tumor to directly target cancer while protecting healthy parts of the body.
Meanwhile, the Linear Accelerator Room houses a machine that sends high-energy X-rays to the tumor from outside the body, using real-time tracking for accurate and safe treatment.
Lorina Petrementre, a cancer patient from Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan, expressed her gratitude for the assistance provided by the new facility.
“We thank the President for addressing the needs of patients like me. Thank you for building an establishment for cancer patients. We no longer have to struggle—we feel the comfort of using this new facility,” Petrementre said.
In closing, President Marcos Jr. marked the centennial anniversary of R1MC, expressing hope for a future in regional healthcare that prioritizes medical research and equal access.
“As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of R1MC, it is also a great honor for me to be with you today on this important occasion. It is not enough to have the best hospitals only in Metro Manila. We need to bring this service closer,” he said. (AMB/CCMT, PIA La Union)
