Eastern Visayas Ramps Up Cancer Care in Tacloban

Posted on Mar. 9, 2026 at 2:59 pm

TACLOBAN CITY — Eastern Visayas is ramping up its fight against cancer with the completion of a PHP2.5-billion regional cancer center in Tacloban City by 2026.

The Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC) is spearheading the project, which includes a state-of-the-art radiotherapy bunker with a medical linear accelerator for cancer treatment.

Joseph Michael Jaro, chief of EVMC hospital, stressed the importance of early cancer treatment for better recovery chances. The center is set to be completed two years ahead of the national 2028 target.

Phase 1 of the center is almost finished, paving the way for the construction of the radiotherapy bunker. EVMC currently serves around 3,000 cancer patients with various services, including chemotherapy, consultations, and palliative care. Breast cancer is the most common type in the region.

Congressman Martin Romualdez supports the hospital’s efforts and emphasizes the need for early detection and prevention programs to save lives.

In his press statement on March 1, 2026, he highlighted the establishment of the regional cancer center and community screening initiatives as crucial steps in providing accessible services to residents.

Romualdez noted that many cancer cases in Eastern Visayas remain undiagnosed or are referred to Cebu or Metro Manila due to the lack of local facilities, creating delays in treatment and reduced survival rates.

The Department of Health Eastern Visayas is intensifying grassroots efforts through health caravans, offering free consultations, cancer screening, and check-ups in remote areas. Specialized training for health workers and HPV vaccination campaigns are also being conducted to prevent cervical cancer.

Public awareness campaigns are being intensified to educate communities on cancer risk factors and the importance of regular check-ups. Barangay health workers are crucial in reaching residents in underserved areas.

With cancer being a leading cause of death in the Philippines, the regional efforts against cancer aim to encourage early medical consultation for better treatment outcomes.

The collaboration between EVMC, DOH, and local government units signifies a united front in the region’s battle against cancer, striving to deliver comprehensive care and accessible services to those in need.

(Photo courtesy: EVMC)