The University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Cancer Institute today opened two new facilities aimed at advancing precision medicine in the country, particularly in the treatment of cancer
“Many of our kababayan fighting life-threatening illnesses face a sobering double burden: the high cost of care, and the grim prognosis that often accompanies late or limited treatment. It is a harsh truth—one rooted not in resignation, but in the real constraints of our healthcare system,” said UP President Angelo A. Jimenez, who led the inauguration of the Center for Precision Medicine and the Next Generation Sequencing Unit of the UP-PGH.
“Today, we mark a turning point. The launch of the Next Generation Sequencing Unit and the PGH Center for Precision Medicine is a beacon of hope. It represents a bold leap forward in how we understand, diagnose, and treat cancer,” Jimenez added.
Precision medicine—often described as providing the right drug at the right dose for the right person—relies heavily on a patient’s genetic makeup to guide diagnosis and treatment. This approach has long been the goal of Filipino scientists and physicians working in the field of pharmacogenomics.
According to a release by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Mar. 23, 2025, neoplasms—masses of tissue formed by abnormal cell growth—were the second leading cause of death in the country. A 2022 PSA report also noted that approximately 466,000 Filipinos were living with cancer.
Established 86 years ago through Commonwealth Act No. 398, the UP-PGH Cancer Institute was mandated to treat cancer patients, conduct research on cancer causes and prevention, promote cancer-related initiatives, and maintain laboratories and facilities for specialists in the field. It also serves as a hub for collecting and disseminating cancer-related information.
In recent years, the institute has introduced advanced diagnostic technologies, including immunohistochemical stains and molecular testing. It has also expanded access to chemotherapeutic agents, making treatment more sustainable for the majority of patients.
The launch of the new gene-based facilities marks a significant milestone in the institute’s ongoing mission to offer world-class, research-driven cancer care in the Philippines.
“The University of the Philippines takes pride in being at the forefront of scientific discovery and public service. We have long been known for pushing the frontiers of research, but what truly sets us apart is how we put that research to work for the Filipino people,” Jimenez said.
“The Philippine General Hospital embodies this mission. Here, tireless dedication turns new scientific knowledge into life-saving treatments, especially for our fellow Filipinos who need it most, yet can least afford,” Jimenez noted.
The Center for Precision Medicine, located behind Ward 12, serves as the clinical arm of this initiative and will be led by Dr. Eva Maria Cutiongco-Dela Paz, a pediatrician and geneticist. The sequencing unit is housed within the Molecular Pathology and Genomics Laboratory.
