Last December 16th, the ABS-CBN Forum for the Filipino Future was held. Individuals invited covered a wide spectrum of national life (politics, culture, business and nature) in an attempt to create a useful picture of where our country stands and is headed for. Quite a grim and dismal 2005 was the common scenario. Two decades after the fall of the Marcos Dictatorship as a result of the much-acclaimed 1986 People Power, our country’s future remains nowhere. Four Presidents since, our nation has been going downhill - the deteriorations in public office, peace and order, education, health and the environment have been the most visible manifestations. While overseas employment of Filipinos has kept the economy afloat, it has not been without social costs (e.g. marital separations, abandoned children, dislocated returnees, etc.) A common question was whether we have a breakdown in institutions or if we are lacking in leaders. Though strong arguments favored both, all agreed that there are more than enough individuals – just that most have remained in their respective fields and have not been harnessed in the mainstream, so to speak. One view was that positive changes in the Philippines will only come from external factors. For the PBCN, breast cancer will affect more and more women, whether medically diagnosed or not. The loss of life and its consequent adverse effect on families will rise. Sadly to say, only a loud noise from civil society can force government to take strong action in averting a national health crisis. And only a massive information campaign on the causes of breast cancer can enrage the people in realizing that it is an unacceptable disease – that prevention is the cure! Most often, when the PBCN conducts a symposium or orientation on breast cancer and the environment, the fear of getting an incurable disease is heightened. A very depressing and hopeless scenario hangs at the back of every woman’s mind. This remains to be a critique of the medical establishment: that the PBCN is scaring the public about breast cancer. Going back to our country’s future, what could be more scary? With no clear direction, our people are not only scampering to live elsewhere, they are not even being discouraged by government. Running away from our problems and seeking relief elsewhere seem to be our country’s mindset. And when one gets diagnosed with breast cancer, she is made to place all her trust, faith and money in the medical industry that does not have the answer. Is the PBCN scaring the public or is it just speaking the truth? The PBCN has so far been able to conduct eight Project BRCA’s - an innovative training conference for breast cancer activists. All graduates have been empowered and no longer fear but have become emboldened to face this illness in their own terms with full honor and dignity. They have seen their individual struggles as part of the larger movement for the global eradication of breast cancer. And when they climb the mountain at Tiaong Breast Haven, they get to see far beyond their present situation. Though 2005 looks grim and dismal, nothing can be more depressing than having cancer. But when women breast cancer warriors stand up and valiantly confront life head on, then other mountains can be no higher! Written by Danny Menesses, President, Philippines Breast Cancer Network 12/05 conference Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.