On May 4, 2026, the two organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance the 2030 Mission Leapfrog Project (MLP). This public-private partnership aims to boost cancer education, early screening, and treatment access for DepEd's massive workforce, which includes approximately 800,000 women.
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara and Roche (Philippines) Inc. General Manager Dr. Diana Edralin formalized the agreement at the DepEd Central Office in Makati City. The project fully supports the goals of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) and the Universal Health Care Law (UHC).
The primary objective is to establish a systematic, end-to-end care process so that cancer patients are continuously guided from early detection to treatment and through recovery.
“Our collaboration with DepEd on Mission Leapfrog is a critical step in advancing Universal Health Care. By focusing on women’s health, we are protecting the backbone of our education system. We are working to create a robust, funded referral network that supports our DepEd teachers and non-teaching staff. With breast cancer incidence remaining high, we must care for our educators so they can care for our children. Our goal is to bridge the gap in the cancer patient journey-standardizing education, screening, and treatment to make health equity a lasting reality,” Dr. Edralin states.
The program leverages a successful pilot run in Tacloban City, where a localized approach drastically reduced patient wait times and improved treatment retention.
Reflecting on the urgency of the initiative, Secretary Angara emphasized the demographic reality of the education sector and the severe vulnerabilities educators face.
"When we look at the demographic landscape of our education sector, a striking reality emerges: approximately 80% of our nationwide teaching force consists of women. Safeguarding their health isn't just an isolated medical initiative; it is an absolute necessity for sustaining our entire school system,” Angara said.
He stressed that a severe illness like cancer represents a profoundly catastrophic event,
explaining how the sudden financial burden can devastate families, including the “near poor” households who are abruptly plunged into true poverty the moment a major disease strikes the family.
Secretary Angara noted the value of this public-private collaboration, acknowledging the mutual insights gained, particularly in understanding how clinical screening must be paired with dedicated counseling to help teachers overcome the deep-seated fear that comes with a potential diagnosis.
"My role here was simple: I merely opened the door to facilitate this alliance. While saving even a handful of lives makes every bit of this institutional effort entirely worthwhile, I am deeply optimistic that this framework will allow us to achieve far greater, far-reaching outcomes for our workforce,” Angara said.
"We are deeply grateful for the Department of Education’s openness to collaborate and for recognizing the vital importance of our mission. By integrating breast and cervical cancer services into the lives of our educators, we aren't just addressing women’s health-we are investing in a sustainable, tangible system. Through our teachers, we create a powerful multiplier effect that extends wellness from the classroom to the community,” said Dr. Edralin.
Following the signing, DepEd hosted a Partners' Appreciation Program in Mandaluyong City on May 8, awarding Roche a plaque of recognition for its outstanding support of quality education.
During the appreciation event, Sec. Angara highlighted their shared long-term vision “Our partnership with each one of you is a continuous crossing across many bridges. Education is a shared vision, and nation-building begins when we choose to work together.”
Ultimately, the partnership through the 2030 Mission Leapfrog represents a critical step toward safeguarding the health of the women who shape the nation's future. By establishing a fully funded and accessible cancer care pathway, the initiative alleviates immense financial and emotional burdens, ensuring female personnel can continue their vital work.
As this effort expands from a successful pilot into a broader national movement, it stands as a powerful reminder that investing in the well-being of teaching and non-teaching staff is a direct investment in the foundation of the country’s education system. (PR)
