The Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO) proudly participated in a vital multi-stakeholder dialogue focused on improving care for liver cancer patients held in Baguio City.
Last April 4, 2025, the "Multi-Stakeholders' Dialogue for Strategic Alignment and Collaboration: Enhancing Referral and Treatment Pathways for Liver Cancer: Mission Leapfrog Project" convened key players in the healthcare sector. This significant event, part of the broader 2030 Mission Leapfrog initiative, aimed to identify challenges and foster collaborative solutions to streamline the patient journey for individuals diagnosed with liver cancer.
The event was co-organized by the City Health Office of Baguio City and Roche (Philippines) Inc. 2030 Mission Leapfrog is part of Roche’s efforts to bring together pivotal healthcare system actors to create fully funded referral pathways for liver cancer patients (as well as breast and cervical cancer patients in other cities) and improve health outcomes for patients with this disease.
The dialogue was attended by the Department of Health-CHD, the Baguio City Health Office, Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, Public Information Agency Cordillera Administrative Region, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Globo Asiatico Enterprises, Inc. and the Philippine Cancer Society.
PSMO was honored to contribute scientific expertise during the discussions. Our society was represented by Dr. Jennifer Balatian-Tiong, who shared valuable insights into medical oncology practice in the Philippines. Dr. Tiong highlighted current treatment landscapes, challenges in patient access, and the importance of integrated care pathways.
The dialogue also provided an excellent platform to showcase PSMO's commitment to community outreach and education. Dr. Tiong presented the PSMO AKAP (Abot Kamay Ako at ang PSMO) Program, detailing its objectives and impact. The AKAP Program is a key PSMO initiative designed to increase cancer awareness and education across different regions, empowering communities and facilitating earlier detection and referral – crucial elements in improving outcomes for cancers like liver cancer.
At the event, participants successfully mapped out referral networks and pathways for the city’s liver cancer patients. They also identified finding solutions for both treatment and diagnostic needs. Additionally, stakeholders aligned on the project's vision, clarified roles and responsibilities, and agreed on the initial steps to implement the initiative.
The Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) was represented by Dr. Janice Bañez, a medical oncology expert. In her presentation, Dr. Bañez discussed key aspects of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment and patient management at BGHMC. She emphasized the role of multidisciplinary teams and the availability of various treatments, including immunotherapy and targeted therapy.
Dr. Bañez also detailed the hospital’s comprehensive approach to liver cancer care, highlighting public funding availability through government agencies, foundations, and pharmaceutical support programs. She underscored the critical importance of effective referral pathways from local health centers to specialized care providers like BGHMC in improving patient outcomes.
PSMO's participation underscores our unwavering dedication to collaborating with all stakeholders – government bodies, patient advocacy groups, healthcare providers, and industry partners – to create tangible improvements in cancer care delivery throughout the Philippines. By actively engaging in initiatives like Mission Leapfrog, we strive to build more efficient, effective, and accessible referral and treatment systems for all Filipino cancer patients.
We look forward to continued collaboration and the positive outcomes stemming from this important dialogue.
Dr. Jenifer Baltian Presenting PSMO’s AKAP Program, Baguio City, April 4, 2025
