Go pushes for increased Cancer Fund

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go emphasized the importance of allocating sufficient funds for specific healthcare programs, such as those addressing cancer, tuberculosis, and mental health disorders, during the Committee on Finance hearing for the Department of Health's budget on Thursday, 28 September.

"We must also give enough focus and ensure funding for our programs to address other diseases such as cancer, tuberculosis, and mental health disorders," Go said.

He pointed out that the Cancer Assistance Fund for this year was set at P500 million through the collective efforts of lawmakers last year. Go proposed for this to be doubled to P1 billion for the next year. However, he expressed concern over the current reported underutilization of the fund.

Drawing from his previous advocacy, Go has been a consistent voice for increased funding for the CAF. "Dapat patuloy na pataasin ang budget para sa cancer assistance fund," he said in an earlier interview.

The senator's call for increased funding aligns with the National Integrated Cancer Control Act, under Republic Act 11215, signed by former president Rodrigo Duterte in 2019. Within NICCA, CAF plays a pivotal role in offering financial support to cancer patients across the nation.

He also emphasized the need to bridge the gap between the high cost of cancer treatment and the financial means of those who need it most.

"It is for this reason that we continus to advocate for a larger allocation for the CAF and recognizes that every peso invested in cancer assistance is an investment in the health and well-being of countless individuals and their families," he said.

Furthermore, Go expressed his support for a proposed cancer fund intended to aid Overseas Filipino Workers, a project championed by the late Secretary Susan "Toots" Ople of the Department of Migrant Workers.

"This initiative highlights the urgent requirement to offer aid and compassion to the modern-day heroes who are confronting cancer while working far away from their homes," he concluded.