The rights and welfare of women and children must be safeguarded by everybody at all times. This principle was the focus of a recent capability-building webinar for Social Welfare and Development Agencies (SWDA), hosted by the Central Cluster of the Area-Based Standards Network (ABSNet). The EPCALM Foundation participated in this online session on 26 March 2026.  Established by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), ABSNet brings together registered, license

Camello de la Cruz Raagas: Hopeful to get full recovery some day through God’s mercy, and his family’s love. Patient Stories Series (No. 37) Camello DLC Raagas , a 33-year-old father, has been battling chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) since 2018. Despite his diagnosis, he expresses that his greatest struggle is not the illness itself, but the daily challenge of overcoming poverty to provide for his two children. His life has been marked by hardship. Following his parents' separ

Hector V. Valladolid Jr.,  37, is a dedicated member of the EPCALM Foundation since April 2021. After a courageous battle with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), Hector’s oncologist confirmed in September 2022 that he is officially in remission. While Hector continues to face physical challenges, including significant hearing loss, he remains remarkably positive. He has adapted through lip-reading and continues to be an active participant in his spiritual community, regularly

It was a memorable evening of music and community as friends and supporters showed up for EPCALM’s fundraising dinner on 25 February 2026 at Antonio’s at PGA Cars, a fine dining restaurant located within the PGA Cars dealership in Mandaluyong City. The program was hosted by EPCALM Spiritual Care Director, Pastor Bennie Lagos, and featured a message from our Founder and Board Chair, Dr. Erlyn Demerre, who expressed her gratitude for the continued support of our mission and wor

Rolly B. Franco: “There is life after leukemia, indeed.” Patient Stories Series (No. 36) The journey of Rolly B. Franco , 34, with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a profound testament to the preciousness of life and the power of faith.  Diagnosed in 2018 after experiencing severe weight loss, physical lumps, blurred vision, and an enlarged spleen, he sought medical attention in San Fernando and Arayat, Pampanga, where he comes from. Following a series of tests, includin

EPCALM patients and their families gathered at the EPCALM House in New Manila, Quezon City recently for a day of fun, camaraderie, and fellowship. The Family Huddle was held on 28 February 2026, with EPCALM officials on hand to welcome the serviced patients and their loved ones.  Conducted quarterly, the Family Huddle is a supportive gathering where patients and their family members come together in a safe and welcoming space. It provides an opportunity to connect with others

The EPCALM Leukemia Foundation of the Philippines , the only non-stock, non-profit organization in the Philippines, which provides personalized, practical and family-oriented support services for patients journeying through adult leukemia.  EPCALM is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). It is also accredited by the Quezon City LGU as a Civil Society Organization (CSO).  Interested applicants

Consistent with our strategic goal to collaborate with a diverse community of stakeholders to advance cancer care in the Philippines, the EPCALM Foundation recently participated in the Philippine National Cancer Care Summit (PNCS). Held on 19-20 February 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila in Quezon City, the PNCS is a multi-sectoral platform that fosters dialogue and drives actionable strategies to address challenges in cancer care. Each year, the summit highlights inno

Adrian Pol Intal: Keeping the challenges of life balanced toward recovery. Patient Stories Series (No. 35) Leukemia patients frequently face physical symptoms such as fatigue, infection, and bone pain, alongside emotional challenges like depression and family disruption. Managing these difficulties is essential for the well-being of both patients and their families. Standard treatment protocols emphasize a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, hydration, gentle exerci

This is the uplifting journey of Jonallyn B. Chentes, a 28-year-old survivor who has been a serviced patient of the EPCALM Foundation since 2018. Diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) in 2016, she was forced to pause her education to undergo grueling treatment. The following years tested her physical and financial endurance, as her family faced significant challenges to cover both household and medical expenses. Although she was declared in remission in 2018, she re

John Patrick Regidor: Hoping for better days, with a smile. Patient Stories Series (No. 34) Most people who meet John Patrick S. Regidor  see a polite 22-year-old with a soft voice and a disarming smile. But behind that smile is a battle that began long before his leukemia diagnosis—one that continues even to this day. JP, the youngest son of the late Patricio III and Theresa Regidor, grew up in Naga City, Camarines Sur in a home anchored by faith and perseverance. A Civil En

Patient Stories Series (No. 33) A leukemia diagnosis is a life-altering event that often brings fear and uncertainty. However, it also highlights the profound strength and resilience of the human spirit. In this article, we share the uplifting story of Rizz Ann Maysia T. Perlado-Lozares , a 30-year-old survivor who found hope during her battle with this disease. When she was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) in September 2015, the news was devastating. Yet, with

The EPCALM Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in the Voluntary Blood Donation Drive held on 31 January 2026 at St. Luke’s Medical Center-Global City (SLMC-GC), Taguig City. We would like to give special thanks to the dedicated men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines—including the Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, and Marines—as well as the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Fire Protection. Our sincere appreciation

Calling all Blood Donors! In line with our commitment to compassionate service, the EPCALM Foundation is organizing a Voluntary Blood Donation Drive  to ensure an adequate and timely blood supply for our patients requiring life-saving transfusions. The bloodletting activity is scheduled for Saturday, 31 January 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Henry Sy Sr., Auditorium, 5 th  Floor, St. Luke’s Medical Center-Global City (SLMC-GC), Rizal Drive corner 3 rd  St. and 5th A

EPCALM Social Worker, Shiela Mae Baliber (right), receives the donated sacks of rice from a representative of Ocean Star Freight Express. EPCALM recently received a generous gift of ten 25-kilo sacks of rice from Ocean Star Freight Express, a sea freight forwarding company based in Quezon City. The donated rice will be distributed shortly to EPCALM’s serviced patients and their families.  Anna Marie Gutierrez, company manager, together with her sister, Rosie, company owner, s

The EPCALM Foundation has successfully facilitated another round of distribution of free oral chemotherapy medications for its serviced patients, in partnership with GetMEDS Philippines. EPCALM recently signed a partnership agreement with GetMEDS to improve access to affordable, quality-assured oncology medications and related support systems.  The second wave of distribution in September 2025 extended vital treatment support to the EPCALM patients. GetMEDS is a healthcare se

EPCALM joined other founding member-organizations of the Blood Cancer Alliance of the Philippines at the Bayanihan Blood Drive on 16 Sept, together with the Department of Medicine of St. Luke's Medical Center-Global City, Taguig City. Other BCAP members included Lymphoma Awareness Philippines, KAYA, and  MyeSpeak, among others. BCAP also partnered with the SLMC-GC Department of Medicine last year for the voluntary blood donation campaign. This was in celebration of Medicine W

The EPCALM Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the United Church of Christ in the Philippines-National City United Church (UCCP-NCUC) over the weekend to help implement EPCALM’s Pastoral Care Ministry Programs under its Spiritual Care Services. These include Home / Hospital Visitation; Pastoral Support and Counseling; Intercessory Prayers; and Support and Spiritual Guidance to Patient’s Family. Present during the agreement signing were the following:  F

The EPCALM Foundation, joins other Founding Members of the Blood Cancer Alliance of the Philippines (BCAP), in signing a partnership...

Receiving the Kabalikat Award were EPCALM Executive Director, Mitch Duran, with Social Workers Sr. Minerva Jumawid and Shiela Mae Baliber. For the second time in a row, the EPCALM Foundation has been recognized as a “Kabalikat Awardee” by the St. Luke’s Medical Center-Global City (SLMC-GC) Blood Bank and Transfusion Services, for EPCALM’s consistent contribution to its voluntary blood donation program.  In fitting ceremonies at the Henry Sy Sr. Auditorium of the SLMC-GC in Ta