PGH Opens New Cancer Center: A Beacon of Hope for Filipino Patients 

The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) has officially opened its state-of-the-art Cancer Center, marking a pivotal step in the country’s fight against cancer. This new facility, located within the PGH compound in Manila, is poised to dramatically improve access to affordable and quality cancer care for thousands of Filipinos.

The PGH Cancer Center is envisioned to be a national referral center for oncology, offering comprehensive services including diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and palliative care. As the largest public hospital in the country, PGH's expansion into specialized cancer treatment reflects the Department of Health’s (DOH) broader goal to strengthen universal healthcare access.

Built for Accessibility and Excellence

Cancer remains the third leading cause of death in the Philippines. Yet, access to treatment continues to be a challenge, particularly for low-income families. The PGH Cancer Center aims to bridge this gap. With dedicated oncology wards, modern imaging equipment, operating rooms, and linear accelerators for radiotherapy, the facility is designed to provide holistic, world-class care—regardless of a patient’s financial capability.

The facility is expected to serve over 2,000 patients annually and will operate in close collaboration with other government hospitals and regional cancer centers to create a more integrated cancer care network across the country.

A Milestone in Public Health

Dr. Gerardo Legaspi, PGH Director, emphasized during the inauguration:

“This cancer center is not just a building—it is a symbol of our commitment to care for every Filipino battling this disease, especially those who need our help the most.”

This project is part of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) implementation, which promotes early detection, patient navigation, and survivorship care. It also benefits from funding through the Cancer Assistance Fund and DOH’s Health Facilities Enhancement Program.

With partnerships from both public and private sectors, including PhilHealth and medical research institutions, the Cancer Center also plans to become a hub for oncology training and clinical trials, pushing forward the frontiers of cancer care in the country.

The PGH Cancer Center:

• Offers accessible cancer care to underserved communities.

• Advances training and research in oncology.

• Supports the implementation of NICCA.

• Helps decongest private cancer centers and regional facilities.

• Symbolizes government commitment to universal health care.