President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the groundbreaking ceremony for the “Bagong Pilipinas Cancer Care Center” on Tuesday, a new facility at the OFW Hospital in San Fernando, Pampanga. The center is part of the government’s efforts to provide better healthcare for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.
“This additional facility is for you and your loved ones. We hope you won’t need it, but it’s reassuring to know there is a hospital you can turn to when needed,” said Marcos during his speech, highlighting the government’s gratitude for OFWs’ sacrifices.
The cancer care center, located on the second floor of the OFW Hospital, aims to address the increasing demand for cancer treatment and the hospital’s current limited capacity. It will operate as an outpatient unit, offering chemotherapy, diagnostic services, surgical oncology, and other treatments. The facility can accommodate 64 patients at a time.
Construction of the center is set to begin in January 2025, with completion targeted for November of the same year. It is expected to open in the first quarter of 2026 after acquiring the necessary permits and licenses.
The OFW Hospital, inaugurated in 2022, currently serves over 160 outpatients daily. The Department of Migrant Workers plans to expand the hospital’s services further, including establishing hemodialysis units and transitioning the hospital into a premier tertiary center with a larger bed capacity.
President Marcos also paid tribute to the late Susan Ople, the first secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers, who passed away in 2023 after battling breast cancer. He emphasized her unwavering commitment to the welfare of OFWs and dedicated the new facility to her legacy.
Marcos noted that cancer is the second leading cause of death in the Philippines, underscoring the importance of providing accessible and comprehensive care for patients. “We need to match the aggressiveness of this disease with equally aggressive actions to give hope and care to those in need,” he said.
The President reiterated that the government is committed to supporting OFWs and ensuring their health and well-being, saying, “This is a small way of repaying your sacrifices and contributions to the nation.”
