IN THE QUIET, laid-back province of Antique, a medical milestone is taking shape, one that promises to change the landscape of cancer care not just in the province, but across the Philippines. Rising along the highway in San Jose town is the Fremont Cancer Therapy Center, a first-of-its-kind, free-standing facility offering both comprehensive chemotherapy and advanced allied therapies under one roof.
Behind this pioneering initiative is Atty. Jonette Borres, founder and owner of the center, whose vision stems from a deep understanding of the struggle patients face when access to care requires traveling far from home.
“First of all, we have two divisions,” Borres explained. “We put up Fremont Cancer Therapy Center with one division dedicated solely to chemotherapy, and another for its allied services. These include Hyperbaric therapy, EBOO or Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation & Ozonation, and microwave ablation, treatments designed to complement chemotherapy and target remaining cancer cells.”
She describes EBOO as an intricate, highly advanced detoxification and filtration process.
“After chemotherapy, it doesn’t mean all cancer cells or toxins are gone. EBOO helps remove chemicals, metals, and other toxins from the blood,” she said. “It’s similar to dialysis, but instead of clearing fluids, it filters out harmful substances. This is the latest technology in detoxification, and we are proud to bring it here.”
What makes this center truly groundbreaking, Borres emphasized, is that it is poised to become the first free-standing cancer therapy center in the entire Philippines to fully comply with strict Department of Health (DOH) standards for accreditation.
“For the first time, we will have a cancer therapy center that stands alone — not inside a hospital and still meets all DOH requirements,” she said. “We have the best medical oncologist in the region and the best nephrologist handling the EBOO services.”
While cancer treatment is its main focus, the center’s allied services extend to patients with chronic illnesses, age-related degeneration, and toxin-related health issues.
In fact, Borres shared that they have already been in discussions with the Provincial Government of Antique for future collaborations to expand healthcare access even further.
A Center That Opens Doors — Literally and Figuratively
Medical Director Dr. Mary Antonette Ong Chua expressed her gratitude for the center’s imminent opening, recognizing what it means for Antiqueños.
“I am truly grateful that the Fremont Cancer Therapy Center is about to open its doors because it adds to our cancer treatment options here in the province,” she said. “Many people in Antique want to have their lumps checked or need consultations to know whether their findings are treatable or malignant. This center gives them more choices — without the burden of long travel.”
Chua highlighted that the facility is accessible, comfortable, and designed with patients in mind.
“The site is bright, welcoming, and easy to access because it’s along the highway. And it’s not only for Antiqueños — patients from Kalibo, San Joaquin, and nearby provinces are all welcome. But of course, Antiqueños benefit first because it is closest to them.”
She pointed out that the center does not only meet — but exceeds — DOH expectations.
EBOO: A Breakthrough Treatment Comes to Antique
One of the most advanced services offered at the center is EBOO therapy, and Nephrologist Dr. Kahil Lily Triunfante-Lopez shared how transformative the treatment can be.
“For cancer patients, it complements their primary treatment. After chemotherapy, many still experience pain, inflammation, and discomfort. EBOO can remove inflammatory molecules, acting as an anti-inflammatory and even a pain reliever,” Lopez explained.
She emphasized its potential to improve quality of life.
“Patients don’t have to endure constant pain or exhaustion during their treatment journey. EBOO helps them cope better while continuing their primary therapy,” she said.
More importantly, Lopez underscored how revolutionary it is to have this technology in Antique: “Iloilo doesn’t even have EBOO yet — Antique is the first. Before, patients would have to fly elsewhere for this therapy. Now, they just have to go to San Jose. Pa-Antique na lang kita!”
Fremont Cancer Therapy Center is more than a building, it is a promise.
It is a promise that cancer patients in Antique will no longer have to travel far for treatment.
It is a promise that world-class, DOH-compliant care can thrive outside major cities.
It is a promise that hope and healing are now closer to home.
In a province where medical services often lag behind, this center is a monumental step forward. With its cutting-edge facilities, expert specialists, and unwavering dedication to compassionate care, Antique is entering a new era — one where every patient’s fight against illness becomes a fight they no longer face alone./PN
