ITRMC Cancer Support

On June 10, 2026, the successful celebration of 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵, with the theme "𝗔 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲," served as a meaningful tribute to the courage, resilience, and unwavering spirit of cancer survivors. The event brought together cancer patients, survivors, families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, volunteers, and community partners in a shared celebration of hope, healing, and survivorship. Through inspiring messages, heartfelt testimonies, and moments of reflection, participants were reminded that every survivor's journey is a testament to strength and that every life is worth celebrating.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our distinguished guests and speakers whose presence, expertise, and words of encouragement enriched this meaningful celebration. Our sincere appreciation goes to Ma'am 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗜𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗱𝗮 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗼, Pharmacist V, who warmly welcomed the participants and delivered the Opening Remarks on behalf of 𝗗𝗿. 𝗥𝘆𝗮𝗻 𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗵 𝗕. 𝗟𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘇𝗮𝗻, Chief Health Program Officer of Allied Health Professional Services. We are likewise grateful to 𝗗𝗿. 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗶 𝗗𝗲 𝗚𝘂𝘇𝗺𝗮𝗻, who shared an inspiring message on behalf of Medical Center Chief II 𝗗𝗿. 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗛. 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝘇; 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗲𝘀𝗮𝗿 𝗨𝗹𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗼, Former Assistant Vice President of the Land Bank of the Philippines, who share inspiring message; 𝗠𝘀. 𝗠𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗰𝗼, Kasillag President, who delivered an inspirational message; and 𝗗𝗿. 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗖. 𝗚𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘇, Mental Health Program Coordinator, who leads the Mental Health Workshop for the participants. Through their wisdom, compassion, and dedication, they inspired our survivors, cancer patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare workers, making the celebration truly meaningful and memorable.

We also express our deepest appreciation to our courageous survivor-speakers, 𝗠𝗿. 𝗦𝗮𝗺 𝗞𝗶𝗿𝗯𝘆 𝗝. 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗰𝗼 and 𝗠𝘀. 𝗟𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮 𝗣. 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝘂𝗮𝗻, for generously sharing their journeys of strength, perseverance, and hope. Their stories touched many hearts and served as powerful reminders that healing is possible and that no challenge is insurmountable when faced with courage, faith, and determination.

The 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆, facilitated by 𝗠𝘀. 𝗝𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗢. 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗮-𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗱𝗮𝗱, provided a meaningful moment of prayer, reflection, and healing as participants came together in hope, gratitude, and solidarity.

Adding excitement to the celebration was the much-anticipated 𝗥𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝘄, where participants had the opportunity to win various prizes. The raffle activity brought joy and anticipation among the participants.

The celebration also featured a 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲, which showcased products and goods from cancer patients, caregivers, and partner entrepreneurs. More than a marketplace, the trade fair served as a symbol of empowerment, resilience, and community support. The proceeds from the activity will help sustain 𝗢𝗻𝗰𝗼 𝗞𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆, provide transportation assistance for patients undergoing chemotherapy sessions, support medicines and diagnostic procedures not available in our institution, and fund future sustainable livelihood projects for qualified indigent cancer patients.

As we move forward, may we carry with us the stories we heard, the lessons we learned, and the hope we shared.

💜 Happy National Cancer Survivors Month 💜

💜 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗘 𝗙𝗔𝗜𝗥 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗔 𝗖𝗔𝗨𝗦𝗘 💜

In celebration of 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵, we warmly encourage everyone to support and purchase products personally made by our cancer patients, caregivers, and partner entrepreneurs through our 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲. Every purchase directly contributes to the programs and projects of the group that provide essential care, assistance, and hope for Oncology patients and their families.

Proceeds from this activity will help sustain the 𝗢𝗻𝗰𝗼 𝗞𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆, provide transportation assistance for patients undergoing chemotherapy sessions, support medicines and diagnostic procedures not available in our institution, and fund future sustainable livelihood projects for qualified indigent cancer patients.

This meaningful celebration is dedicated to honoring the courage, resilience, and unwavering spirit of cancer survivors whose journeys continue to inspire strength and hope among patients, families, healthcare workers, and the community.

✨ We are now 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆! Enjoy delicious food and refreshing treats while supporting a meaningful cause!

📌 𝗔𝗩𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗧𝗦
Biko
• Medium Bilao – ₱500
• Large Bilao – ₱800
Pancit
• Medium – ₱500
• Large – ₱900
Cucumber Lemonade
• 16oz – ₱35
• 22oz – ₱50
Chocolate Delight
• 16oz – ₱50
• 22oz – ₱70
Pastil Rice
• Regular – ₱50
• With Egg – ₱65
Turon – ₱20
Bananacue – ₱35
Special Maruya – ₱30
Hopia
• Ube – ₱50
• Mongo – ₱50
• Baby Hopia – ₱50
Yema (3 pcs) – ₱20
Boiled Corn – ₱50/pack
Takoballs
• 3 pcs – ₱25
• 6 pcs – ₱50
Empanada – ₱60
Spud Potato
• Cheesy Overload – ₱65
• Cheesy Overload with Ham Tidbits & Corn – ₱75
Special Sisig – ₱70
Lutong Ulam Meals
Palabok – ₱50/tub
Macaroni Salad – ₱50
Orange Sweet Potato (Camote) – ₱80/kilo
Organic/Pure Vinegar – ₱90 (1.5 liters)

💜 Your support can bring comfort, encouragement, and hope to our cancer warriors and survivors.

📩 For reservations and inquiries, kindly send us a message or contact:
Ma'am Melanie Untalasco - KASILLAG President
09190008641

Together, let's celebrate survivorship, spread hope, and make every purchase count for a worthy cause.

𝐀𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐊𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐆! ✨

The Support Group of ITRMC Cancer Patients has been invited to participate in the “𝐊𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐖𝐀 𝐒𝐀 𝐈𝐓𝐑𝐌𝐂” in celebration of the hospital’s 81st Foundation Anniversary with the theme, “𝐈𝐓𝐑𝐌𝐂 @ 𝟖𝟏: 𝐍𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲,” from May 18–22, 2026.

We warmly encourage everyone to support and purchase products personally made by our cancer patients, caregivers, and partner entrepreneurs. Every purchase will directly contribute to the programs and projects of the group that aim to provide essential care, assistance, and hope for Oncology patients and their families.

The proceeds from this activity will help sustain the “𝐎𝐧𝐜𝐨 𝐊𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲,” provide transportation assistance for patients undergoing chemotherapy sessions, support expenses for medicines and diagnostic procedures not available in our institution, and fund future sustainable livelihood projects for qualified indigent cancer patients.

The volunteerism, hard work, and dedication of the KASILLAG officers and members, together with the facilitators from the Medical Social Work Department, continue to make this initiative meaningful and impactful—not only for Oncology patients and their families, but also for the community as a whole. Through unity and compassion, they strive to help ease the financial, emotional, and mental burdens experienced by cancer patients while promoting self-sufficiency and long-term recovery.

Thank you, ITRMC, for being the true ““𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐠 𝐭𝐢 𝐀𝐦𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐧!” 💛

TRADE FAIR FOR A CAUSE, the stalls are coming back once again✊🏻🎊 showcasing different foods and products that will satisfy your cravings😋🍔🌭🥟🍦
The stalls will be at 📍AMP GROUNDS, ITRMC, PARIAN, SAN FERNANDO, LA UNION and will stay from 🗓️ JUNE 09-10, 2026.

ALSO:

Raffle tickets will be available for purchase until before the raffle draw. The raffle draw will be held at 📍 AMP Ground, Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC), JUNE 10, 2026 starting at 1:00 PM onwards.

We encourage everyone to participate for a chance to win exciting prizes while supporting this meaningful celebration.

✨ 𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬𝗢𝗡𝗘! ✨

The 𝗞𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴 - 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗧𝗥𝗠𝗖 warmly invites you to join us in the celebration of the 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 to be held at 𝗔𝗠𝗣 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱, 𝗜𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗼𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 (𝗜𝗧𝗥𝗠𝗖).

This meaningful event is dedicated to honoring the courage, strength, and resilience of cancer survivors, while also recognizing the unwavering support of families, friends, healthcare workers, and advocates who continue to inspire hope in the fight against cancer.

With the theme, "𝗔 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲," the celebration aims to encourage unity, awareness, and inspiration through shared experiences and heartfelt testimonies of survival and perseverance.

We sincerely hope for your presence as we come together to celebrate life, spread hope, and support one another in this significant occasion. Your participation will greatly contribute to the success and meaningfulness of this event.

Thank you, and we look forward to celebrating with you. 💜

Celebrating love, hope, and strength this Valentine’s Day and Cancer Awareness Month!!❤️❤️❤️

Today’s meaningful event was initiated by our dedicated Kasillag Officers and made possible with the assistance of the Medical Social Work Department. Together, we created a space filled with encouragement, unity, and compassion for our brave oncology patients and their families.

Our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Charina Chavente, Oncologist and Ma’am Ma Teresa Sison, MSWD Head for sharing their powerful and inspirational messages that truly touched our hearts. Your words reminded us that even in the most challenging times, love and hope continue to shine brightly. We would also like to thank Sir Jiro for serenading us through his lovely rendetions of valentine’s songs.

💖 “Where there is love, there is life. Where there is hope, there is strength.”🫶🏻

Happy Valentine’s Day! Let us continue spreading love, raising awareness, and standing strong together in the fight against cancer. 🎗️💜

This 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵, we highlight the term 𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘆 which is commonly used in discussions about cancer and cancer-related conditions. Understanding this term helps the public better grasp why health professionals emphasize early consultation, proper diagnosis, and timely treatment.

𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘆 is determined through a combination of clinical evaluation, diagnostic tests, and tissue examination. No single test may not be enough on its own. Doctors may need to look at the whole picture before a diagnosis will be made.

Here are the common ways malignancy is identified:

𝟭. 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Doctors assess symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, persistent pain, unusual lumps, non-healing wounds, or abnormal bleeding, and check for physical signs during examination.

𝟮. 𝗜𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀
Tests like X-ray, ultrasound, mammogram, CT scan, MRI, and PET scan help detect abnormal masses, determine their size, location, and whether they may have spread.

𝟯. 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀
Blood tests and tumor markers may suggest the presence of cancer or organ involvement, but they are usually supportive rather than definitive.

𝟰. 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗽𝘀𝘆 (𝗴𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱)
A biopsy involves taking a sample of tissue or cells and examining it under a microscope. This is the most definitive way to confirm malignancy, as it shows whether cells are cancerous and how aggressive they are.

𝟱. 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀
Pathologists determine the type and grade of cancer, while additional tests help identify the stage—how far the disease has spread—which guides treatment decisions.

Many cancers develop silently, with symptoms appearing only in later stages. This makes awareness, regular screening, and health-seeking behavior crucial in improving outcomes and saving lives.

As we continue the observance of National Cancer Awareness Month, let us promote knowledge, early action, and compassionate care—because awareness is a vital step toward achieving Universal Health Care for all Filipinos.

HAPPY NEW YEAR awan labas🎉

✨ HOPE WITHIN: NURTURING MENTAL WELLNESS ON THE CANCER JOURNEY✨

The Medical Social Work Department, headed by Ma’am Ma. Teresa F. Sison successfully conducted the Year-End General Assembly and Mental Health Awareness program for ITRMC oncology patients (pedia and adult)💜💛 It was a meaningful gathering filled with learning, sharing, reflection, and encouragement—reminding us that caring for the mind and spirit is just as important as caring for the body.

Together, we celebrated resilience, strengthened our faith, and renewed our commitment to support one another on this journey.

📖 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”— Psalm 34:18

💬 “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” — Desmond Tutu

As we close this year, we move forward with courage, compassion, and hope—knowing that no one walks this journey alone. 🌈

🙏 We would like to extend our most sincere gratitude to Ma’am Shanil T. Mauting, RND for conducting orientation on food security for Cancer Patients, Sir Freynon N. Perez and Sir Juni Dela Cerna for the spiritual talk and pray over, Sir Jerico Florendo for facilitating the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support. To ZONTA Club for the gifts for pedia-onco patients, to the ITRMC-Cooperative for the Printer given to the KASILLAG-ITRMC Cancer Support Group. Further, our hearts are grateful for the unwavering support of Dr. Ryan Joseph B. Lirazan-Allied Chief Health Program Officer, and Dra. Carina V. Chavente-Medical Oncologist for sharing their time and message to the group despite their busy schedules.

To everyone who participated and who made this gathering a blessing, our most appreciative Thank You🫶🏻. Here’s to healing, strength, and brighter days ahead.✨