The construction of the new Philippine Cancer Center in Quezon City in the Philippines is advancing on schedule, with the project now approximately 23.3% complete.
The facility’s construction project is being managed by the Philippines Department of Public Works and Highways-National Capital Region (DPWH-NCR).
It is being developed to provide access to enhanced and modern cancer care to the local population.
According to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), the public information body of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, the project's progress was reported by DPWH-NCR director Loreta Malaluan during an event on 28 May.
This 20-storey facility represents an investment of around 3.6bn pesos ($61.5m).
Philippine Cancer Center, occupying a 5,000m² area within the Philippine Blood Center complex, is designed to be a comprehensive cancer care facility.
It will provide services ranging from diagnosis and treatment to research as well as patient support, aligning with Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s mission to deliver healthcare that is accessible and affordable.
Each floor of the centre is expected to be dedicated to treat different cancer types, including gastrointestinal, renal, lung, breast, women's reproductive organs, hepatic, skin, and other rare cancers, Malaluan highlighted.
Apart from serving as a cancer care hub, the facility is projected to become a teaching and research institution, which will focus on reducing cancer mortality and morbidity rates.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the Philippines, following heart disease, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
The new centre is being developed to address this concern by providing updated cancer treatment facilities and technology.
The project, which began on 8 March, is anticipated to complete within the next 360 calendar days.