Benguet has adopted a resolution mandating all 13 municipalities of the province to give cancer patients the same rights and privileges given to persons with disabilities.
In a resolution, the sangguniang panlalawigan enjoined the municipalities to implement Republic Act 11215 or “An Act institutionalizing a National Integrated Cancer Control and appropriating funds thereof” where it includes cancer patients, persons living with cancer and cancer survivors as PWDs.
The law also provides the Department of Social Welfare and Development to provide the same rights and privileges given to PWDs to cancer patients, cancer survivors and those living with cancer patients.
These rights and privileges are covered under the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons or Republic Act 7277 and its amended provision under RA 9442.
“The benefits, privileges and incentives are beneficial to cancer patients, persons living with cancer and cancer survivors, as it would financially help ease their burden,” said Board Member Nestor Fongwan Jr., author of the resolution.
Aside from the DSWD, the Department of Labor and Employment is mandated to adopt programs, which promote work and employment opportunities for able persons with cancer and cancer survivors.
The resolution, adopted Dec. 7, was forwarded to the 13 mayors for information and appropriate action as well as the Office of the Governor, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer, Benguet General Hospital, various district hospitals of the province and the Provincial Health Office.
The 2018 Global Data on cancer states that more than 140,000 new cancer cases and more than 80,000 cancer deaths are expected in the Philippines every year. – Ofelia C. Empian
