Quezon City vows to boost cancer care programs

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February 9, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government has committed to further strengthen its initiatives to ensure equitable, accessible and high-quality cancer care.

The local government recently signed a partnership with the City Cancer Challenge (C/CAN), a global non-profit group that helps strengthen local health systems to promote community-driven solutions for cancer care.

Through the partnership, Quezon City will adopt a step-by-step model that will “empower stakeholders to uncover the gaps and power the system to drive equitable cancer care in their city.”

“This partnership with City Cancer Challenge is a significant step toward strengthening our collective response to cancer. By working closely with local and international partners, we aim to make quality cancer care more accessible and equitable for every Filipino,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said in a statement.

City Cancer Challenge chief executive officer Isabel Mestres welcomed Quezon City into the C/Can network.

“This collaboration underscores the city’s leadership and commitment to building sustainable, inclusive cancer care. Together, we will translate local innovation into global learning that advances equitable cancer care for everyone, everywhere,” Mestres said.

The partnership was supported by the Philippine Cancer Society Inc., with its president Corazon Ngelangel saying that the collaboration is an opportunity to bring together stakeholders “to improve cancer outcomes.”

“Working with C/Can and Quezon City, we can make meaningful strides in access, quality and sustainability of cancer care,” she said.

The city government in 2024 passed an ordinance institutionalizing an integrated cancer control policy, which establishes a comprehensive approach to address the disease.