‘Filipiñana’ Star Jorrybell Agoto Remains in Critical Care Amid Cancer Battle—Here’s How You Can Help

The past month has been an incredibly difficult time for Jorrybell Agoto and her loved ones, friends, and colleagues as the actress remains in critical care amid her battle with cancer.

Last September, Kamil Lipnica shared that Jorrybell, the lead actress of the critically acclaimed Filipino film Filipiñana, had been admitted to the Critical Care Unit of St. Luke’s Hospital as she continued to fight lymphoma.

According to the Mayo Clinic, lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, a network of organs, glands, vessels, and lymph nodes that forms part of the body’s immune system.

In the same post, Kamil shared an update on Jorrybell’s condition, revealing that fluid had accumulated around her lungs, making it difficult for her to breathe.

More recently, Jorrybell’s brother, Jed Agoto, provided an update on his sister’s condition, revealing that she remained in critical care. He also described the emotional toll of witnessing her struggle with severe pain.

“Sobrang bumagsak yung blood pressure niya tapos pumapalo ng 170 yung heart rate niya. Sobrang sakit sa puso bilang kapatid na marinig siyang sumisigaw na lang dahil sa tindi ng pain na nararamdaman niya,” Jed wrote.

Jed further shared that doctors discovered fluid in both of Jorrybell’s lungs, prompting an immediate operation to insert bilateral Blake drains to help her breathe. The actress was also found to have three tumors in her left lung. Given the severity of her pain and her body’s heightened sensitivity due to cancer, her doctors decided to intubate her to allow her body to rest.

As Jorrybell continues to fight the disease, her family has appealed to the public for donations and financial assistance to help cover her mounting hospital bills.

Jed also called on fellow Ilocanos and public officials, including President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Senator Imee Marcos, and Congressman Sandro Marcos, to extend assistance to their family during this difficult time.

Rafael Manuel’s Filipiñana has been selected as the Philippines’ official entry in the International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards, earning the distinction from a shortlist of eight films. Written and directed by Manuel, the film is distributed by Kino Lorber.

Earlier this year, Filipiñana earned international recognition, winning the Special Jury Award for Creative Vision in the World Cinema category at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival and the New Directors Award at the San Francisco International Film Festival. It was also nominated for the World Cinema Dramatic Grand Jury Prize at Sundance.

At the heart of Filipiñana is Isabel, a 17-year-old “tee-girl” working at an exclusive country club with meticulously maintained golf courses. Bringing the character to life is Jorrybell Agoto, whose own experiences offer a compelling perspective on Isabel’s story, even as her personal journey differs from that of the character she portrays.

Here are the details and donation channels for those who wish to extend financial assistance to Jorrybell Agoto and her family as she continues her battle against cancer.

Please see QR code

Jorrybell Agoto

0168 5441 5972

Jorrybell Agoto

1093 5573 1600

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Lead photo from @jorrybell