Sto. Tomas City Government partners with Global Care Cancer Institute to expand Patient Care

The City of Sto. Tomas is taking a major step to address its public health concerns by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Global Care Cancer Institute Inc. The partnership, led by Mayor Arth Jhun Aguilar Marasigan, aims to provide more accessible and affordable cancer treatment for all residents, especially those who are underprivileged.

Mayor Marasigan stated that the city’s immediate concern is to reduce premature deaths from cancer, which are often caused by late diagnosis and the high cost of treatment. The new agreement is part of the city’s broader effort to strengthen its health system, focusing on early detection and accessible care.

“This partnership serves as a major leap toward realizing our commitment to making health an inclusive right, not just a privilege that favors the few,” said Mayor Marasigan. He emphasized that his administration is committed to governing with inclusivity, ensuring all Tomasinos have equal access to opportunities and resources.

The new MOA is a direct response to City Ordinance 2024-65, which established the Girl Power Integrated Cancer Control Program (GPICCP). This program aims to create a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to cancer control, covering everything from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship care.

By partnering with a private facility like Global Care Cancer Institute, the city can now provide its residents with access to the necessary diagnostic and therapeutic services, including specialized equipment and personnel. Since 2022, the City Health Office has recorded 137 deaths related to cancer, a number the city hopes to reduce through early diagnosis and timely, effective treatment.

Mayor Marasigan concluded that the agreement will allow qualified city residents to receive financial assistance, ensuring they can now afford the life-saving medical treatment they need.