QC to host ‘Relay for Life’ today

MANILA, Philippines - The Quezon City government will host the opening today of the 2013 Relay for Life, a project aimed at raising public awareness on cancer prevention and control.

Mayor Herbert Bautista and Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte will join cancer survivors for a walk that will mark the formal opening of 24-hour relay at the Amoranto Sports Complex.

The city’s top executives will also deliver remarks during the event, while city hall employees and barangay officials and workers are expected to join the activity.

Belmonte, who was designated as the chairperson of the 2013 Relay for Life, said the event was vital to the city’s continuing effort to promote its cancer-free advocacy project.

Organizers said the proceeds of the relay will be used to support the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS) in its outreach programs to provide Filipinos with breast examination and pap smear, patient navigation program, free mammography, medical assistance for early stage breast cancer patients, and free clinical consultation. 

PCS said the Relay for Life is a welcome source of hope as about 10 Filipinos are diagnosed with cancer every hour. The organization added that around 32 Filipinos, most of them women, are diagnosed with breast cancer each day.

Health Undersecretary Teodoro Herbosa is also expected to join the event to deliver an inspirational message.