Taas-pasahe sa tricycle ipatutupad sa Biñan, Laguna | ABS-CBN

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Taas-pasahe sa tricycle ipatutupad sa Biñan, Laguna

Taas-pasahe sa tricycle ipatutupad sa Biñan, Laguna

Dennis Datu,

ABS-CBN News

 | 

Updated May 28, 2020 07:02 PM PHT

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Watch more in iWantv or TFC.tv

MAYNILA — Tataas ang pamasahe sa mga traysikel sa Biñan City, Laguna simula Lunes.

Traysikel ang pangunahing transportasyon sa siyudad at halos 6,000 ang bilang ng mga ito bago ang lockdown kontra COVID-19.

Sa ngayon, nasa 50 porsiyento lamang ang pinapayagang pumasada pero sakaling mag-general community quarantine na sa Lunes ay makakabiyahe na ang lahat ng mga ito.

Iyun nga lamang, limitado pa rin ang bilang ng mga pasahero na maaaring isakay kaya apektado rin ang kita ng mga tsuper.

Kaya simula sa Lunes, tataas na nang P4 hanggang P7 ang pasahe sa traysikel depende sa layo ng biyahe.

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Kung dati ay P9 lang ang pasahe sa unang 2 kilometro, magiging P13 na ito.

Kapag 2 hanggang 3 kilometro, P18 na ang singil mula sa dating P11.

Kapag 3 kilometro pataas ay P20 na ang bayad mula sa dating P15.

Giit ng mga pasahero, mabigat ito sa bulsa pero wala silang magagawa.

Para masunod ang physical distancing, may inilagay na mga plastic cover na magsisilbing dibisyon ng mga pasahero at driver.

Dapat din ay may alcohol at face mask ang driver at pasahero.

Umaapela naman si Mayor Arman Dimaguila na payagan na rin ang mga bus at jeep na makabiyahe lalo na ang pa-Maynila.

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Unlocking the future of cancer care with Next-Generation Sequencing: Why the Philippines must keep up

Unlocking the future of cancer care with Next-Generation Sequencing: Why the Philippines must keep up

ABS-CBN News,

Catherine SC Teh,

MD,

MSc,

FPCS,

FRCSEd,

(Hon)FACS,

G.CIEHF

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Photo courtesy of the Makati PIO, file

In the last decade, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) has transformed cancer diagnosis and treatment worldwide, offering deeper insights into tumor biology, treatment resistance, and personalized therapy. This technology allows for rapid sequencing of DNA and RNA, paving the way for more precise, effective, and individualized cancer treatment strategies.

However, in the Philippines, access to comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) analysis remains limited, often delaying optimal cancer management.

As we push for world-class cancer care, integrating genomic profiling into standard practice is no longer a luxury but a necessity.

Understanding genomic testing: Comprehensive vs. Targeted Analysis

Cancer is a genetic disease, and molecular profiling is crucial in understanding its behavior. NGS-based testing can be categorized into:

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1) Comprehensive Genomic Profiling (CGP):

• Analyzes hundreds of cancer-related genes simultaneously.

• Detects single nucleotide variants (SNVs), insertions/deletions, copy number variations (CNVs), gene fusions, and microsatellite instability (MSI).

• Ideal for hard-to-treat cancers, double primaries, and recurrent disease.

2) Targeted or Focused Genetic Analysis:

• Examines only a select number of genes known to drive specific cancers.

• Used for single mutations like EGFR in lung cancer or BRCA1/2 in breast/ovarian cancers.

• Limited in scope but useful for quick decision-making when a specific mutation is suspected.

The role of ctDNA and cfDNA in precision oncology

1) Cell-Free DNA (cfDNA): Fragments of DNA released into the bloodstream by both normal and cancer cells.

2) Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA): A subset of cfDNA derived specifically from cancer cells, carrying tumor-specific mutations.

These liquid biopsy techniques have transformed oncology by providing real-time tumor profiling without the need for invasive biopsies.

Their applications include:

✔ Early Detection – Identifying molecular changes before a tumor is visible on imaging.


✔ Monitoring Treatment Response – Tracking tumor evolution in real-time and detecting resistance mutations.


✔ Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) Detection – Identifying microscopic cancer cells post- treatment to predict recurrence.


✔ Guiding Therapy Selection – Identifying actionable mutations for targeted therapy or immunotherapy.


✔ Surveillance – Early detection of metastasis or recurrence in high-risk patients.

Why these technologies must be accessible in the Philippines

Despite its clinical value, comprehensive genomic profiling and liquid biopsy remain out of reach for most Filipino cancer patients due to:   

1) High cost and limited insurance coverage

2) Lack of local laboratories offering high-throughput NGS 3) Limited awareness among healthcare providers

4) Data accessibility and integration challenges

Given the high prevalence of hard-to-treat cancers like lung and ovarian cancers, hepatobiliary, pancreatic, and rare gastrointestinal malignancies, access to genomic technologies is critical in improving survival rates.

Using genomic data for risk assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic impact

1. Risk Assessment

• Identification of hereditary cancer syndromes (e.g., Lynch syndrome, BRCA mutations, APC

for colorectal cancer).

• Early intervention and cancer screening programs for high-risk individuals.

2. Precision Diagnosis

• Differentiating primary vs. metastatic cancers for double primaries.

• Classifying tumors based on molecular subtypes, ensuring correct treatment selection.

3. Therapeutic Impact

• Identifying targetable mutations for personalized therapy (e.g., FGFR inhibitors for

cholangiocarcinoma, IDH1 inhibitors, immunotherapy biomarkers).

• Predicting response to chemotherapy, avoiding unnecessary toxic treatments.

4. Surveillance & Recurrence Detection

• ctDNA monitoring allows early detection of recurrence, often before it is visible on scans.

• Liquid biopsies provide a non-invasive alternative to tissue biopsies in monitoring cancer

progression.

Building a genomic-ready cancer care system in the Philippines

To integrate genomic medicine into mainstream cancer care, we must:

🔹 Expand local NGS and ctDNA testing facilities to lower costs and increase accessibility.


🔹 Advocate for PhilHealth and private insurance coverage for genomic testing in oncology.


🔹 Strengthen clinician education on the utility of CGP and liquid biopsy in decision-making.


🔹 Develop national cancer genomic databases for better data sharing and patient stratification.


🔹 Foster research collaborations to establish Filipino-specific genomic data for cancer risk profiling.

A call to action

Cancer care is rapidly evolving, and genomic medicine is the future. As Filipino cancer specialists, we must push for broader access to NGS and liquid biopsy technologies to bring global standard cancer care to our patients.

The time to act is now. We must bridge the gap in precision oncology, empower Filipino patients with genomic-driven treatments, and improve survival outcomes across all cancer types.

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Established in September 1936, the Philippine College of Surgeons is the country's premier organization of surgical professionals.

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