Bong Go champions enhanced cancer care

In a heartwarming gesture to bring holiday cheer to admitted cancer patients, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go accompanied former president Rodrigo Duterte to the Children's Cancer Institute at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City on Thursday, December 21.

During this visit, a cherished Christmas tradition for the two, they distributed gifts to the children, bringing smiles and a festive spirit to the ward. This gesture not only uplifted the spirits of the young patients but also underscored Duterte and Go's enduring commitment to improving cancer care in the country.

Go expressed, "Ang laban sa kanser ay laban nating lahat. Mahalaga na tiyakin natin na ang bawat Pilipino, lalo na 'yung mga nangangailangan, ay may access sa tamang treatment."

"Through our continuous efforts, we aim to make cancer medical services more affordable and accessible nationwide. This is our responsibility to our fellow citizens," he further added.

Meanwhile, Duterte and Go also witnessed the financial donation made by the BMW Owners Society of Saferiders Inc., more commonly known in the motorcycle industry as BOSS, and the On Any Sunday Riders, a group from Davao City, to the House of Hope.

Also located within the SPMC compound, House of Hope serves as a halfway house for pediatric cancer patients receiving treatment at the center. It was established in 2007 and initially housed in an old dormitory within the SPMC compound, which was later renovated into a facility for cancer patients.

Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, also supported several projects including the construction of a 300-bed capacity infectious diseases building for SPMC.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go's advocacy in the realm of cancer care is significant and multifaceted. One of his notable contributions is the enactment of Republic Act No. 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, where he was the principal sponsor and one of the authors in the Senate.

This law, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., on August 24, is a strategic move towards decentralizing specialized healthcare in the country and bringing critical medical services closer to the people.

This legislation mandates the creation of Regional Specialty Centers within the existing framework of the Department of Health (DOH). It is a crucial step in ensuring that specialized healthcare services are accessible in various regions across the country.

Go emphasized the importance of allocating sufficient funds for specific healthcare programs, especially for cancer, which is one of the top causes of death in the country.

He pointed out that the Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF) 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 so that the government can provide sufficient support and assistance, particularly to indigent cancer patients.

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.

He also stressed the financial burden that cancer places on families, stating, "Talagang napipilayan ang pamilya tuwing nagkakanser ka, pilay na po ang inyong pamilya, halos hindi na po nakakatrabaho 'yan, naka-focus na po sa pagpapagamot."

The senator's call for increased funding aligns with the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA), under RA 11215, signed by Duterte in 2019. The law also establishes the National Integrated Cancer Control Program, which seeks to provide "affordable and accessible" medical treatment. 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 I continue to advocate for a larger allocation for the CAF. 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 (OFWs), 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.

On November 24, Go also personally inspected the Sorsogon Cancer Treatment Center and the newly renovated Sorsogon Provincial Hospital in Sorsogon City, projects he supported in his capacity as vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance. He also lauded the establishment of the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital, the country's' first dedicated cancer care facility. The hospital, which was inaugurated by President Marcos Jr. on the same day, is located in Arca South, Taguig City.

Meanwhile, during their time at the center, Go took the opportunity to engage with the children, their parents, and the medical staff. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the House of Hope for its unwavering dedication to providing medical and emotional support to children with cancer, especially those from less fortunate backgrounds.