Manila: The proposed PHP3.75-billion lifeline for cancer patients under the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP) is PHP2.25-billion or 150 percent higher than this year's allocation, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said Friday. In a news release, the DBM said cancer patients could receive up to PHP150,000 each in government assistance next year, if the proposed funding for the Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF) is approved.
According to Philippines News Agency, the proposed funding represents a PHP2.25-billion or 150-percent increase from the PHP1.50 billion provided under the Fiscal Year 2026 General Appropriations Act. This increase effectively expands the CAF to two-and-a-half times its current funding level as the government aims to alleviate the financial impact of cancer treatment on Filipino families. Compared with the PHP1.25 billion originally proposed for the program under the FY 2026 NEP, the proposed PHP3.75-billion allocation for 2027 is higher by PHP2.50 billion, or 200 percent.
The DBM stated that the proposed increase in CAF funding would benefit around 25,000 cancer patients enrolled in 36 designated cancer care access sites in Department of Health (DOH)-retained and local government unit (LGU)-operated hospitals nationwide. Of the 36 cancer care access sites, 23 are located in Luzon, five in the Visayas, and eight in Mindanao. These sites will provide assistance to patients needing screening, diagnosis, medicines, treatment and continuing cancer care.
The DBM emphasized that the proposed 2027 allocation represents the program's largest funding to date, as the Marcos administration seeks to enhance support for Filipinos battling cancer. The increased support for cancer patients was also highlighted in President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s 2027 Budget Message, which underscored the administration's commitment to making critical cancer services accessible to more Filipinos, regardless of their location.
DBM Acting Secretary Kim Robert de Leon stressed that the proposed increase acknowledges cancer as a significant health challenge and a heavy financial burden on Filipino families. This historic increase will enable more Filipinos battling cancer to receive timely screening, early diagnosis, life-saving treatment, essential medicines, and the financial assistance they need without forcing their families into deeper financial hardship.
