The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) in Quezon City reopened its Radiation Oncology Section. This restores public access to a high-quality and life-saving cancer treatment. The service remains dormant due to the challenges of COVID-19. The revival of the Radiation Oncology Project (ROP) is a significant step. It will move the Philippines forward in the fight to reduce cancer deaths.
The Development Bank of the Philippines’ partnership with NKTI made this renewed effort possible. A strategic partnership under the government’s Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) program. A strategy that will help restart the ROP program with the new LINAC machine. A critical part of saving lives.
The Cancer Treatment Project
The ROP started in 2015 in a mission to provide access to advanced cancer care for the public. NKTI officially opened the Radiation Oncology Section on Sept. 28 through the program. A section equipped with cutting-edge technology.
However, operations were put on hold in 2022 as priorities shifted. The COVID-19 pandemic shifted the healthcare priorities of the institution. Now, with the DBP’s renewed support to bring the service back. A service with better equipment than before.
The Precision Machine
The heart of this revival is a state-of-the-art Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine. An important tool to treat cancer patients. The DBP officially donated the Clinac iX model, a product of Varian Medical Systems. This machine precisely targets tumors with minimal damage. The machine uses high-energy X-ray beams directly to the tumor area. The operator of this machine can adjust the intensity according to tumor volume.
The typical value of this device is between $175,000 $300,000 in the international market. A device that plays a vital role in treating a wide range of cancers. This enables oncologists to destroy cancer cells as it spares most healthy tissues. It treats tumors in the breast, lung, and prostate without opening the patient.
The Public Donation
Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro “Ted” J. Herbosa witnessed the ceremonial turnover of the donation deed. Dr. Jose Dante P. Dator, the Executive Director of NKTI, received the deed on Jan. 9, 2026. This event underscored the Philippine government’s commitment to healthcare. A commitment to expand public access to healthcare through financial partnerships. Where DBP steps in to fulfill its mandate. A mandate to support national development. One of these developments is to highlight the NKTI’s transformative potential healthcare program through the PPP.
One of the healthcare program’s goals is to lower the cancer deaths. Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in the Philippines. Over 180,000 new cancer cases were reported in 2022. Many of these patients face barriers to treatment. Especially those from low-income families who are challenged to have access to these treatments. The relaunch of the NKTI-ROP offers public access to radiation therapy. It aims to bridge this gap at a minimal cost or free of charge.
NKTI can now deliver more precise and effective treatments with the new LINAC in place. A treatment that may prevent 50% to 60% of cancer-related deaths. As long as there is an early diagnosis of the cancer. The technology allows for intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT). Both therapies enhance the accuracy of targeting tumors, which can improve patient outcomes.
This effort is not just a medical advancement — it’s a lifeline. A lifeline for countless Filipinos. Their access to such care could mean the difference between life and death.
The Department of Health (DOH) continues to strengthen the nation’s healthcare system. The NKTI-DBP partnership stands as a model of what is possible when public institutions collaborate. They work as committed development partners. Where hope is returned in the battle against cancer. One beam at a time.
