Senator Christopher “Bong” Go joined cancer survivors, families, and advocates at the House of Hope Foundation’s Annual Survivors Day Celebration on Monday, 8 December, at SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang.

Go attended upon the invitation of House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer, Inc. president Minda Cruz and Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) Cancer Institute head Dr. Mae Dolendo. The annual event serves as a thanksgiving gathering for children and adolescents who have completed or are undergoing cancer treatment.

In his message, Go thanked the foundation for its continued service to young cancer patients. “I am deeply honored to be here today. Hindi lang ito pagtitipon, ito ay selebrasyon ng lakas, pananampalataya, at tagumpay ng bawat survivor na narito ngayon,” he said.

“Malapit sa puso ko ang mga pasyente… ang kalusugan ay katumbas ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” he added, emphasizing his advocacy for improving health services nationwide. Addressing the young survivors, Go encouraged them to stay strong. “Sa mga cancer survivors, huwag kayong mawalan ng pag-asa, habang may buhay, may pag-asa.”

During the celebration, 482 patients received food packs, while others received pens, shirts, balls, and fans.

Go, the former Senate health committee chair, underscored the importance of strengthening the Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF), noting that many families still struggle to complete treatment due to high medical costs. The CAF is a key component of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA), which aims to provide “affordable and accessible” cancer care and was signed in 2019.

“Marami sa mga pasyente ang hirap kumpletohin ang gamutan dahil sa mataas na gastusin,” he said, reiterating his call for increased CAF funding to ensure that more families—especially poor patients—can finish their treatment.

Go also discussed the Malasakit Centers program, which consolidates assistance from multiple government agencies to ease patients’ medical expenses. He is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act, which institutionalized the program. To date, 167 Malasakit Centers operate nationwide, including one at SPMC.

He likewise pushed for more “Balay Pahulayan” or halfway houses to support families who need temporary shelter during long-term treatment. “Katong mayor pa si Mayor Duterte, gipatukod niya ang Balay Pahulayan atbang sa SPMC… Karon, gihimo natong four floors,” Go said, noting that similar facilities have since been built in major hospitals like PGH and PCMC.

(Noong mayor pa si Mayor Duterte, ipinatayo niya ang Balay Pahulayan, harap ng SPMC. One floor lang ito noon, ipinatayo niya para may pahingahan ang mga watchers habang naghihintay sa mga pasyente. Ngayon, ginawa po nating four floors.)