Press Release
December 15, 2017

Hontiveros continues the campaign for breast cancer awareness, hold free health screening in BASECO evacuation center

Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros on Friday held a community outreach program that featured free breast and cervical cancer screenings for the women residents of the BASECO evacuation center in Tondo, Manila.

The event was done in coordination with the Manila City Health Department and featured speakers from the Philippine Cancer Society, the Institute for Politics and Governance and the Manila City Health Department. A short health forum and a film viewing to better raise awareness on the merits of early cancer detection were also conducted.

In her speech, Hontiveros pushed for a better budget for cancer medicines and treatment. An earlier version of the 2018 budget for the Department of Health (DOH) did not have an item for cancer medications. The current proposed budget for cancer medication and treatment for 2018 is now at Php50 million. Hontiveros reiterated that State support for cancer treatment is vital for better overall public health.

"Ang pangkalahatang kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino ay tungkulin ng isang responsableng gobyerno. At para magampanan ang tungkuling ito ay dapat maglaan ang pamahalaan ng sapat na pondo at programa para sa mamamayan," Hontiveros said.

Hontiveros is the Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and the Chairperson of the Committee on Women, Family Relations and Gender Equality.

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