framework for all cancer-related activities of the government. The program shall have the following objectives: a.) Decrease the overall mortality and impact of all adult and childhood cancer; b.) Lessen the incidence of preventable cancer in adults and children; c.) Prevent cancer recurrence, metastasis and secondary cancer among survivors and people living with cancer; d.) Provide timely access to optimal cancer treatment and care for all cancer patients; e.) Make cancer treatment and care more affordable and accessible; f.) Improve the experience of cancer treatment and care of patients and families; g.) Support the recovery and reintegration to society of the cancer survivors; and h.) Eliminate various forms of burden on patients, people living with cancer, survivors and their families. SECTION 5. National Integrated Cancer Control Council. – There is hereby created a National Integrated Cancer Control Council, hereinafter referred to as the Council, which shall act as the policy making, planning and coordinating body on cancer control, attached the Department of Health (DOH). The Council shall provide technical guidance and support and oversee the implementation of this Act, ensuring judicious and best use of available resources for the benefit of all, especially the most vulnerable sectors of the society, the elderly, women and children, the poor, marginalized and disadvantaged. SECTION 6. Composition of the Council. The Council shall be composed of the following: a.) The Secretary of Health, or a designated representative with a rank not lower than assistant secretary, as chairperson in an ex officio capacity; b.) A vice chairperson, who shall be elected by the non ex officio members, from among themselves, and who shall serve for a term of three (3) years; c.) Ex officio members consisting of the following: 1.) Secretary of Social Welfare and Development, or a designated representative; 2.) Secretary of Labor and Employment, or a designated representative; 3.) Secretary of the Interior and Local Governance, or a designated representative; 4.) President and Chief Executive Officer of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) or a designated representative; 5.) Director General of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or a designated representative; d.) Two (2) medical doctors, who must be citizens and residents of the Philippines, of good moral character, of recognized probity and independence, have distinguished themselves professionally in public, private, civic or academic service in the field of oncology, and must have been in the active practice of their professions for at least ten (10) years, chosen from at least five (5) persons recommended by the Secretary of Health, to be appointed by the President for a term of three (3) years; and e.) Three (3) representatives from cancer-focused patient support organizations and advocacy network, to be appointed by the President for a term of three (3) years from the list of organizations and advocacy network recommended by the Secretary of Health. The Council shall utilize the services and facilities of the Disease Prevention and Control Bureau under the DOH as the Secretariat of the Council. The non ex officio members may receive honoraria in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations. SECTION 7. Roles and Functions. – The Council shall formulate polices, programs and reforms that enhance the synergy among stakeholders and ensure a well-coordinated, effective and sustainable implementation of the provisions of this Act. It shall, as necessary, create experts’ groups or technical working groups to undertake any of the following key tasks: a.) Develop integrated and responsive cancer control policies and programs tailored to the socioeconomic context and epidemiological profiles of the Philippines which aim to improve cancer survivorship, make cancer care more accessible and affordable, expand cancer care to include the whole continuum of care, promote integrated, multidisciplinary, developmentally appropriate patient and family-centered care, and enhance the well-being and quality of life of cancer patients and their families; b.) Develop the National Integrated Cancer Control roadmap with annual targets, priorities and performance benchmarks for the effective institutionalization of strategies, policies, programs and services in the national and local health care system;