Turnover of the SM Felicidad Sy Multipurpose Area
November 21, 2008 UP-PGH Cancer Institute Administration Building

The University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Cancer Institute (CI) held the inauguration of the SM Felicidad Sy Multipurpose Area, donated by the SM Foundation Inc. headed by Mrs. Connie Angeles-Ganueles. The renovation is part of the charitable works of the SM Foundation Inc. to the selected government hospitals and other institutions nationwide.

The inauguration started with a Doxology from a breast cancer survivor, Mrs. Remy. The CI Chair, Dr. Cecilia Ladines-Llave, PGH Director, Dr. Carmelo Alfiler, UP Manila Vice Chancellor, Dr. Orlino Talens, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Former Senator Juan Flavier, Mrs. Angeles-Ganuelas and Cancer Institute Foundation (CIF) President Antonio Perez each delivered short heartwarming speeches prior to the signing of the deed of donation among the executives and officers of the SM Foundation, UP Manila, PGH, and CIF.

The inauguration program ended with the traditional ribbon-cutting and a blessing of the multipurpose area by Father Ritchie Elot, PGH Chaplain.


The Tour of Hope 2008
September 13-17, 2008 Vigan to Subic

The Tour of Hope (TTOH) is a non-profit initiative of a group of individuals of various background that set-up bicycle tours in order to increase the awareness and raise funds for health prevention and education projects benefiting resource limited communities. In the past, the bike tours have been held in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore and last September 2008, TTOH has finally expanded its reach in the Philippines holding a 5-day bike tour from the historic city of Vigan and Candon in Ilocos Sur, traversing Agoo, La Union, Alaminos, Pangasinan and Iba, Zambales, ending in Olongapo City. The chosen beneficiary of TTOH-Philippines is the Cancer Institute Foundation for Cervical Cancer Prevention (CECAP) Network Program.

The event is a joint project of CIF, Bravehearts, GlaxoSmithKline Philippines, Campaigns PR Inc. and in strategic partnership with Team David's Salon, the Philippine's first all-women multi-sport team, dedicated in promoting sports and at the same time sharing a passion for health and wellness. More than 50 bikers joined the tour covering 500 kilometers, including David Charlton (CEO of David's Salon), Tricia Chiongbian (anchor of Studio 23's News Central and celebrity triathlete), Hon. Nestor Itchon (Vice Mayor of Candon City) and Nelson Villarica (photographer).

In every stop, lectures were given by the doctors led by Dr. Cecilia Ladines-Llave, educating community health workers about the value of having a healthy lifestyle, timely screening linked to treatment and vaccination in order to combat cervical cancer. Members of the local government units headed by the Governors and Mayors of all stops and health sectors such as the Department of Health-CHDs, Provincial and Municipal Health Offices and Dr. Zaida Gamilla, President of the Philippine Obstetric and Gynecological Society (POGS) and local officers of the organization showed their support in this event. The highlight of every lecture is the ceremonial hand printing served as a hallmark for the stakeholders as they pledge to support cervical cancer prevention in their respective areas. Advocates of Bravehearts, a multidisciplinary coalition dedicated to raise awareness on cervical cancer prevention took part in this event. Hon. Ruffy Biazon, Congressman of the Lone District of Muntinlupa, an avid supporter of CECAP and Miss Abbygale Arenas-de Leon, a beauty pageant titlist encouraged Filipino women to take a step towards preventing this disease.


'Babae, Mahalaga Ka!' Campaign with DOH
September 3, 2008 Bocaue, Bulacan

As part of the advocacy campaign on cervical cancer prevention, the Cervical Cancer Prevention Network (CECAP) joined the Department of Health (DOH) in Bocaue, Bulacan last September 3, 2008 in a lay forum organized by Dr. Lourdes Paulino, Program Manager of the Women's Health Division of the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control in partnership with the local coordinator and Philippine Obstetric and Gynecological Society (POGS) affiliate, Dr. Jimmy San Pedro. A series of lectures were given by Dr. Cecilia Ladines-Llave, Program Director of CECAP, Dr. Jaycee Almaria, CECAP Program Manager, and Dr. Cynthia Fernandez-Tan, Gynecology Section Head of Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital and a certified CECAP Clinical Skills Training (CST) Trainer.

More than a hundred women participated in the lay forum and the doctors were interviewed by local media to educate more Filipinos that cervical cancer is preventable through healthy lifestyle, HPV vaccination and screening linked to appropriate treatment.


Bravehearts Reaches Northern Mindanao
May 6, 2008 Dynasty Court Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City

After the successful launch of Bravehearts in Manila last November 2007, the coalition had at last spread its wings down south. Cagayan de Oro City, the Land of Golden Friendships and the capital of Misamis Oriental, has now become the Regional Center for Northern Mindanao.

The Cervical Cancer Prevention Network (CECAP) has also established its third training center in the region, CECAP-Northern Mindanao, hand in hand with the Xavier University-Jose P. Rizal School of Medicine.

Bravehearts-Northern Mindanao together with its CECAP chapter will be working together to raise cervical cancer awareness and eliminate cervical cancer in the region.

This launch was led by CECAP-Philippines Director, Dr. Cecilia Ladines-Llave, and CECAP-Northern Mindanao Director, Dr. Ruth Beltran. Bravehearts was joined by the Department of Health Region X, CDO Media, various medical societies and women in the region.


Bravehearts Joins 'Pinay in Action' 2008
March 8, 2008 NBC Tent Global City, Taguig

Bravehearts, a multisectoral coalition on cervical cancer joined the Pinay in Action (PIA) Expo 2008. This event is spearheaded by no less than Senator Pia Cayetano. The Bravehearts booth offered cervical cancer prevention counseling led by Cervical Cancer Prevention Network (CECAP) Program Director, Dr. Cecilia Ladines-Llave and joined by Dr. Jaycee Almaria, CECAP Training Coordinator, and Dr. Sarah Grace Tan, CIF Coordinator. Over 200 women visited and sought consult at the Bravehearts booth.

Dr. Llave noted the burden of cervical cancer in the Philippines and how it has remained unchanged for the last 20 years. Bravehearts has been the information campaign arm of CECAP and has been helping spread the news that cervical cancer is a preventable disease. Screening and vaccination can help save a woman's life.

Sen. Pia Cayetano is the Senate's champion for health. A triathlete herself, she advocates cervical cancer prevention through healthy lifestyle. As she visited the Bravehearts booth, she pledged her support to Bravehearts and CECAP in the fight against cervical cancer nationwide.


CECAP Center Gets Renovated
February 7, 2008, UP-PGH Cancer Institute Administration Building

Last February 7, 2008, the Cervical Cancer Prevention (CECAP) Center construction started. Envisioned to be a "one-stop-shop" against Cervical Cancer, the newly renovated room will offer counseling, consultation, screening, diagnosis and treatment for women.

Two years in the making, the Cancer Institute Foundation sought the help of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Foundation in the renovation of the room. In line with the CECAP's mission/vision, it aims to eliminate cervical cancer in the Philippines one woman at a time.


Bravehearts Joins National Cancer Consciousness Week
January 14, 2008 UP-PGH Cancer Institute Grounds

The 3rd week of January signals the start of the National Cancer Consciousness Week (NCCW) 2008. This is a yearly celebration in line with the Department of Health's advocacy to promote cancer consciousness among Filipinos. This year, the Cancer Institute's theme is "Cancer Institute @ 70: Reinvigorating its Role in Cancer Prevention and Treatment".

Bravehearts joined the NCCW 2008 to promote cervical cancer awareness among Filipino women. Bravehearts is the information campaign arm of the Cervical Cancer Prevention Network (CECAP) which is an organization working towards the elimination of cervical cancer in the Philippines.

And with the advent of modern technology, 3 new websites were launched. As Dr. Cecilia Ladines-Llave, chair of the Cancer Institute puts it "3 new websites with different functions and yet working towards one goal". These 3 new websites will be helping more Filipinos learn more and prevent cancers. For the launch, the Cancer Institute—Philippine General Hospital was joined by the University of the Philippines-Manila's Vice Chancellor, Dr. Orlino Talens, the UP College of Medicine College Secretary, Dr. Antonia Habana, Cancer Institute Chair, Dr. Cecilia Llave, Cancer Institute’s Vice Chair for Research, Dr. Jorge Ignacio, Jhpiego's Dr. Silvia Holschneider, Cancer Institute Foundation president, Mr. Antonio Perez, the Nursing staff and other organizations working towards raising cancer awareness of the Filipino.
  Bravehearts Launch
November 28, 2007 Hyatt Hotel Manila

A crusade against cervical cancer was launched at the Hyatt Manila last November 28. Called Bravehearts, the coalition is a collaboration of government and private organizations and individuals committing to one goal: prevention of cervical cancer among Filipino women.

"Each year, an average of 7,000 Filipino women are diagnosed with cervical cancer," this according to Dr. Cecilia Llave. This statistic has not changed for the past 20 years, she says. The good news is, "cervical cancer can be prevented".

Jhpiego President, Dr. Leslie Mancuso, flew in all the way from Maryland USA to inspire women. Jhpiego is a John Hopkins affiliate committed to improving health care services for women and their families especially those in low-resource settings.

Leading the way on the Coalition's commitment wall, Senator Loren Legarda placed her handprints on the wall symbolizing her pledge to support the crusade against cervical cancer.

An exhibit by the Cancer Institute Foundation and the CECAP Network encapsulated their advocacy for cancer prevention and treatment geared towards improving the health care services for Filipinos.

CIF President Antonio Perez said pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has already committed its full support to the coalition, and they are expecting more private corporations with Corporate Social Responsibility programs on women's health, as well as media organizations, NGOs and individual advocates to come in as partners and support the goals and objectives of the campaign.


Shades of Her Nurture
October 20, 2007 Alabang Town Center

Last October 20, the Printmakers Association of the Philippines (PAP) held its second exhibit at the Alabang Town Center for the benefit of the Cancer Institute Foundation. Entitled Shades of Her Nurture, the beauty and power of a woman was exquisitely displayed through glorious works.

Dr. Cecilia Llave, Program Director of the Cervical Cancer Prevention Network (CECAP) says that "the human papilloma virus causes cervical cancer." The good news however, is that "cervical cancer can be prevented". And this is CECAP's vision - Filipino women free of cervical cancer.

The event was made possible by Crossover 105.1 FM, Figaro Coffee Company, L'Oreal Professional, Marks and Spencer, Merck Sharp and Dohme, Neo Spa, Philippine Star, and Rustan's Essenses.

Part of the proceeds from the sale of the images was donated to the Cancer Institute Foundation for the CECAP Network.


Patches of Her Presence
October 13, 2007 Shangri-La Plaza Mall

Patches of Her Presence is a magnificent display of images featured by the Printmakers of the Philippines (PAP) at the Shangri-La Mall held last October 13, 2007. Talented artists exhibited their most treasured works of art for the benefit of the Cancer Institute Foundation (CIF).

A talk by Dr. Cecilia Llave, Program Director of the CECAP, gave light on the burden of cervical cancer. She says "cervical cancer can be prevented." Healthy lifestyle coupled with screening is the key element in the prevention of cervical cancer. She also emphasized that "early diagnosis and treatment for patients is very crucial".

The event was made possible by Crossover 105.1 FM, Figaro Coffee Company, L'Oreal Professional, Marks and Spencer, Merck Sharp and Dohme, Neo Spa, Philippine Star, and Rustan's Essenses.

The PAP donated part of the proceeds to the Cancer Institute Foundation (CIF) for the Cervical Cancer Prevention Network (CECAP) in its advocacy to raise awareness on cervical cancer prevention and treatment.


Silverlens Auction
October 6, 2007 Silver Lens Gallery

A live auction was held at the Silverlens Gallery last October 6, 2007. The elegant black and white gallery of curator Isa Lorenzo, At Maculangan, Billy Mondenedo, Emmanuel Santos, Ivan Sarenas, John Silva, Pilar Tuason, Wigs Tysman, Lilen Uy, Jake Versoza, and Denise Weldon, and an etching by National Artist Benedicto Cabrera.

Carlos Celdran, the auctioneer for the event, entertained the crowd with his high energy and persuaded guests to bid higher.

"In the Philippines, every 8 minutes, a woman dies of cervical cancer", Dr. Cecilia Llave, Program Director of the Cervical Cancer Prevention Network (CECAP) said in an opening statement in her talk about the burden of cervical cancer in the Philippines. Dr. Llave enticed the audience to bid to raise funds for CECAP's advocacy to raise awareness on cervical cancer prevention and treatment.

Photographers donated a percentage of their profits and these proceeds go to the Cancer Institute Foundation for the support of CECAP in its effort to save women's lives in the Philippines.


Her Body, Her Story
September 29, 2007 Cebu City

Guests flew in from Manila to support the first of a series of events to promote the Cancer Institute Foundation's advocacy to help prevent cervical cancer. Her Body, Her Story was held in Cebu City, Philippines. Featured were the country's top exporters of costume jewelry and fashion accessories.
  Inauguration of the Hospice Ward, Pedia Playroom and Oncology Library
November 17, 2006 UP-PGH Cancer Institute Administration Building

The Hospice Ward and the Pediatric Clinic Playroom, renovated with the support of Mr. and Mrs. Vicente Pacheco, and the Andres Soriano Cancer Center Library, as donated by philanthropists from the Andres Soriano Foundation (ASF), were inaugurated last November 17, 2006. Dr. Carmelo Alfiler, the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) Director, with the Pacheco couple and the ASF Executive Director Mrs. Lemia Simbulan, led the ceremony by doing the honors of cutting the inauguration ribbon. Father Richie Elot, the PGH chaplain, also blessed the units. The CI Staff headed by Mrs. Lucy Magsino, the CI Chief Nurse, were present to witness the event.


DOREMI and Centerstage Clubs Visit
March 3, 2006 UP-PGH Cancer Institute Atrium Garden

The Cancer Institute (CI) of the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) in collaboration with the PAREF Woodrow School, Inc. presented the DOREMI and Centerstage Clubs last March 3, 2006 at the Cancer Institute Atrium Garden.

The Clubs of PAREF School brought music and joy to the cancer patients of the Institute through their serenading performance. Patients admitted to the wards, those being seen in the outpatient clinics, the staff of CI, caregiver groups, and the students' parents who watched the kids' show of talent were entertained. Even passerby from outside the CI building started walking in as they were enchanted with the beautiful sound of cherubim-like music originating from within the Institute.

The students and their teachers toured the CI wards and spent time talking to the sick. The Clubs' young members in their visit expressed sympathy to the patients undergoing chemotherapy by sharing gifts. They offered comfort and joy to an otherwise routine hospital day.

The program ended with lighting of candles around the atrium garden symbolic of the light and hope for a brighter future of our patients. The CI administration is grateful to the PAREF Woodrose School for starting the music therapy program in the Institute, and in their small way, kissed our patients' pain away.
  The Birth of CECAP
Developing a Cadre of Filipino Champions for Cervical Cancer Prevention

In December 2005, Jhpiego held a global cervical cancer conference in Bangkok: to showcase successes in Thailand and elsewhere implementing a cost effective way to save women’s lives from cervical cancer. The Philippines sent the largest delegation to the event led by Dr. Cecilia Ladines-Llave of the Cancer Institute (CI) of the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital. The group returned to the Philippines enthusiastic about the potential advancements in cervical cancer prevention through the introduction of the Single-Visit Approach (SVA, acetic acid wash and cryotherapy) in the country. Upon return to Manila, Dr. Llave immediately convened stakeholder group that participated in the Bangkok meting to discuss moving forward, and requested Dr. Genara Limson's support as adviser to the forthcoming Cervical Cancer Prevention Network of the Philippines (CECAP).


Osewa's Horticulture Therapy Program
Nature as Doctor and Teacher

The Osewa Garden Club, pursuant of its mission to avenues for the acknowledgement and appreciation of the healing wonders of nature, held its Horticulture Therapy Program, a series of workshops on various gardening and ornamentation topics from May to October of 2005. Dish and organic gardening, growing herbs and medicinal plants, garden cultivation, corsage making and flower arrangement, as well as flower drying were the activities of the 6-month long event. Invited guests to speak were Mr. Fernando Aurigue, Prof. Rey Lucero, Mrs. Gloria Colisara, Prof. Ernesta Quintana, Mr. Vic Chin, and Dr. Corazon Azucena. A concluding field trip to the Los Baños Gardens beckoned to all the participants of the activity to continue enjoying the health benefits of our natural surroundings.
  Cancer Information and Educational Campaign
March 11, 2004 UP-PGH Cancer Institute Administration Building

The Cancer Information and Educational Campaign are write-ups on cancer through the support media network to develop public awareness on cancer prevention and early diagnosis for better survival.

The Cancer Institute (CI) media committee has coordinated with the Bulong-Pulungan sa Westin Philippine Plaza, a round-table group of media reporters for the furtherance of its advocacy. The Bulong-Pulungan has donated a grant to the campaign, for the equipping of the CI waiting area. The seed money of Php 90,000.00 was used to avail of books and magazines to be read on by patients and relatives while waiting in line, buy a television set to showcase campaign materials and programs, and furnish the area with benches for comfortable queuing for consultation.

Mrs. Deedee Siytangco, Miss Charito Planas, Miss Ellen Tordesillas and Miss Melanie Pallorina turned over the donation to Philippine General Hospital Director Dr. Carmelo Alfiler and CI Chair Dr. Cecilia Ladines-Llave.
  The Brachytherapy Operating Room Goes State-of-the-Art
A Government Bureau Gets Involved

Through the headship of its altruistic commissioner, Atty. Antonio Bernardo, the Bureau of Customs engaged in the modernization of the Brachytherapy Operating Room of the Cancer Institute (CI) of the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH). Senator Aquilino Pimentel conferred a suction machine as well as other beneficial radiologic supplies (an RAI apron, a laryngoscope, and linen, among others). The UP-PGH Anesthesiology Department, meanwhile, decided to supplement the newly revamped O.R. with a technologically-matching anesthesia monitor.

In the same year, Atty. Antonio Bernardo received an award for his contribution to public service.
  The PGH Breast Care Center Opening
October 10, 2002 UP-PGH Cancer Institute Administration Building

The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) Breast Care Center (BCC) is a one-stop facility which offers services for the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of breast diseases in women, and yes, in men.

Following the successful campaign in the United States last September 2001 of Avon's Kiss Goodbye to Breast Cancer, Avon brought the campaign to the Philippines, since the country has the highest incidence of breast cancer in the Asia Pacific. Louie Migne of Avon Philippines and Edna Amor Bello of the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS) offered a donation of a mammogram machine to the BCC. Mesdames Migne and Bello had been long partners with Dr. Cecilia Ladines-Llave, Chair of the Cancer Institute (CI), since the start of the "Bigay-Alam, Bigay-Buhay" educational and informational movement of Avon-PCS over ten years ago. Together with Dr. Malou Matsuda, the previous breast clinic chief from the Department of Surgery, also a partner of PCS on its projects on breast cancer, they brainstormed on maximizing the donation to include not only supporting provision of a mammogram machine to the CI, but also adopting the breast care center expansion program. In line with the Adopt a Project/Adopt a Room program of the CI, Avon and PCS had espoused the BCC by not only donating machines but also renovating a room to house the center. Another room has also been refurbished to contain the mammogram machine.

The Breast Care Center was inaugurated by Senator Loren Legarda, UP Manila Chancellor Marita Reyes, Dr. Rey Ang for PGH Director Juan Pablo Nañagas, Avon Philippines and the Philippine Cancer Society.


Cancer Institute Undergoes a Million-Peso Renovation
The Age-Old Institute Gets a Facelift

Renovation of the patients' wards, records section, brachytherapy unit and offices of the Cancer Institute (CI) began in May of 2002 through the one million-peso donation of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). Undertaken in coordination with Office of Engineering and Technical Services (OETS), the renovation focuses on the repair and repainting of the CI rooms and cabinets, as well as the repair of the CI toilets and improvements in the electrical and plumbing systems.

The project, which was approved by PAGCOR through its chairman Col. Ephraim Genuino, was complimentary to the other sponsors' own rehabilitative programs of the Institute: the Osewa Garden Club with the chapel, the Pachecos with the hospice ward, and UPMASA and Engr. Malinis with the brachytherapy units, to name a few. Aside from funding the renovation project, PAGCOR has been a donor to the CI since 1993, regularly providing a special fund for the latter's chemotherapy patients.

"These improvements enhance the efficiency of the CI building and its staff," Dr. Cecilia Ladines-Llave, chair of the Cancer Institute, comments. "All that redounds to the benefit of the CI patients—they see that they are not only served well by a skilled and efficient staff, but also they are served well in a facility that is conducive to treatment and recuperation."
  Cancer Wellness Program
Psychosocial Support Programs Get Organized

With the support of Dr. Cecilia Ladines-Llave, the then new Cancer Institute (CI) Chair, psychosocial support services at the Institute has been organized and developed. Programs have evolved along with the additional support from the various donors and resource groups of the Cancer Institute. With the increased survival rates of cancer patients and the advancements in treatment options, a holistic approach to the care of the patient has gone farther. The quality of care being offered at the Institute has matured beyond helping patient and their families cope with illness: it has extended to the promotion of wellness. This is the concept of wellness, an advocacy of Dr. Llave for the integrated care and healing of the cancer patient.

The Cancer Wellness Program of the Cancer Institute of the UP-PGH is a consolidation of all the existing programs currently offered at the Institute that address the psychosocial, economic, nutritional needs of the patients and their families. It encompasses the entire Psychosocial Support Services—spiritual and religious support, counseling, psychiatric evaluation and management, and psychoeducation—as well as other services available for the patients and caregivers (lifestyle education, nutrition, exercises, yoga and livelihood projects). Its slogan "Maganda sa Paningin, Malinis na Kalooban at Kuntentong Pakiramdam" completely embodies the vision the pioneer program has for literally everyone in the Institute. A comprehensive program that caters not only to the cancer patient and his/her caregiver, the Cancer Wellness Program also provides a training ground for all allied staff that would like to be trained in the different fields of holistic medicine.


Healing Gardens
Harbors for the Broken Soul

'Confinement' in the hospital may be quite literal: the body is confined to the four corners of the bed. The four sides of the hospital room limit one's vision—gazing out the window. Also, figuratively, one's outlook of the future is hindered by the four walls of the hospital. Despite good intentions of the hospital staff to treat, patients sometimes could not help feeling like being in a repair shop where every move is perfunctory. In this sense, 'confinement' becomes symbolic. While one is receiving cure and the body is to some degree "having rest", his thoughts and hopes—his spirit—remain low and wounded.

With the desire to help uplift our patients' souls as their corporal bodies are also being addressed, the Healing Gardens were established. Envisioned to provide a natural sanctuary for the sick, their families and caregivers, that they may be healed, not only physically but also spiritually, the creation of this prototypical natural sanctuary will also provide a venue for patients to learn from various healing workshops that are being held by the Institute: visual and performing arts, meditation, music therapy, aromatherapy, yoga, dance, exercise, look-good feel-good programs, horticulture and storytelling.

Initially rehabilitated in 1993 during the term of Dr. Antonio Villalon as Cancer Institute (CI) Chair and sponsored by the Andres Soriano Foundation, present chair Dr. Cecilia Ladines-Llave took on the task of further improving not only for the central atrium garden but also around and abutting the CI building with the Perezes. Mr. Antonio Perez and wife Mrs. Teresita Perez did more than donate funds as they set forth the bigger goal of forming the Osewa Garden Club, together with Drs. Elmer Santos, Arnold Liwag, Doris Benavides, Salvador Villanueva, Anselmo Tronco, Ben Vista and Janet Herrera, Mrs. Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala, the Celdran siblings Denise, Carlos, Tessa and Crisan, Architect Sari Tapales, and Mrs. Cecile Guidote. This group of civic-minded individuals continues to this day promoting the inspiration behind the Healing Gardens.


Ambulatory Chemotherapy Room
Tackling Safety in the Workplace

The Cancer Institute administration conducted seminars on cytotoxic drugs in early 2001 to educate its staff how to minimize their deleterious effects as the Institute was very much wanting for protective gears needed in the handling of medicines. Still, the administration understood that plain information dissemination was not enough—they had to do something to address the urgent problem. Chemotherapeutics drugs were being prepared just anywhere, posing a huge risk to those who were supposedly not exposed to these hazards.

With this, the CI has delegated an area to temporarily serve as the preparation room for chemotherapy drugs of the patients. The Quota International of Manila South provided the necessary funds to rehabilitate the then Activity Center, transforming it to the present Ambulatory Chemotherapy Room. They also contributed gowns and slippers for the use of the patients who undergo therapy on an outpatient basis. The organization completed the set-up by providing lazy boys, a TV, DVD player, refrigerator, and water dispenser to the comfort of the patients.

And the Cancer Institute then became a safer place for all.