Turning the Tide Against the Silent Killer: A Nation Unites for ‘The Cancer Game Plan’

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

MANILA — In the shadow of the Philippines' deadliest malignancy, a historic counter-offensive was launched. This November, as the world observes Lung Cancer Awareness Month, the Rizal Park Hotel transformed into the command center for a national health revolution.

We are honored to witness “The Cancer Game Plan: ASPIRE, Build, and Unite for a Future Free from Lung Cancer.” 

When: November 27, 2025 (Thursday)

Time: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM (Program begins at 1:00 PM) Where: Ballroom 3, Rizal Park Hotel, Kalaw Avenue, Manila 

Photos and videos from the forum were uploaded and shared on our Wazzup Pilipinas social media accounts like Facebook.

The Battleground: Why This Matters Now

Lung cancer remains a formidable adversary, claiming thousands of Filipino lives annually. It is a crisis that demands more than just awareness; it demands a strategy. This high-level forum is not merely a discussion—it is a convergence of power. Policymakers, healthcare titans, patient advocates, and the private sector are gathering with a singular, burning ambition: to drive a national call to action and secure a future where a lung cancer diagnosis is no longer a death sentence.

The Architects of Change

The forum opened with the impassioned voices of the Lung Health Alliance Philippines (LungHAP). Atty. Arnel Mateo (Chair) and Engr. Emer Rojas (President) set the stage, rallying the nation to look beyond the statistics and see the human cost of the disease.

In a show of legislative force, Hon. Ciriaco Gato Jr., Representative of the Lone District of Batanes and Chairperson of the Committee on Health, delivered a crucial video message, signaling legislative support for this health emergency.

The event was supposedly to be headlined by a Keynote Address from Department of Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa. His presence should have underscored the government's commitment to prioritizing lung health on the national agenda. But we were informed that he is in Cagayan De Oro so we got a video message from Senator Riza Hontiveros, and a few more personalities from the government.

The ASPIRE Consensus: A Blueprint for Survival

At the heart of the forum was the unveiling of the ASPIRE Consensus Document, introduced by Dr. Kenneth Samala. This is the tactical roadmap for the war on cancer, dissected through three high-impact panels:

The Frontlines (Prevention & Detection): Panel 1 tackled the critical need for early detection and diagnosis—the moment where lives are most often saved or lost. Moderated by Dr. Chita I. Nazal-Matunog, this segment featured oncology experts dissecting the path to earlier intervention.

The Arsenal (Access to Treatment): Panel 2 confronted the harsh reality of cost. It focuses on "Access to Innovative and Affordable Treatments." Key figures like Dr. Corazon Ngelangel (President, Philippine Cancer Society) and Dr. Lia Villanueva (HTA Council) debated the mechanisms needed to make life-saving drugs accessible to every Filipino, regardless of economic status.

The Alliance (Partnerships & Investment): Panel 3 expanded the battlefield to society itself. Moderated by Dr. Maricar Sabeniano, featured industry leaders discussing sustainable investments, removing stigma, and the power of public-private partnerships.

The Climax: A Declaration of War on Cancer

The event culminated in a defining moment of unity: the Launching of the Philippine Declaration on Lung Cancer.

In a powerful visual manifesto, LungHAP Board Members, speakers, and participants stood together to launch a change.org Petition. This movement seeks to mandate a specific PhilHealth benefit package for lung cancer, ensuring that the "Game Plan" becomes tangible policy, not just promises.

Our Role in History

This was more than an invitation; it is a summons to witness history. Our coverage hopes to amplify this united advocacy, shaping public compassion and driving the political momentum needed to save lives.

Join us as we ASPIRE, Build, and Unite.

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