Senator Christopher Bong Go joined the “Bring Him Home: A Christmas Outreach – Isang Paskong May Pag-asa, Isang Paskong May Panalangin” on Friday, 19 December, in Davao City, lending his presence to a holiday activity focused on prayer, solidarity, and assistance for children battling cancer.

The Christmas outreach, a tradition long associated with former President Rodrigo Duterte, gathered caregivers, volunteers, and young patients for a simple program combining gift-giving and quiet reflection. Go participated in the distribution of assistance to pediatric cancer patients, continuing a practice he said he learned from his mentor and has consistently supported through charity and hospital-based activities during his public service.

During the event, Go expressed hope that the former president would be able to spend the Christmas season with his family and fellow Filipinos in the country.

“Panahon ito ng Pasko, panahon ng pamilya at pananampalataya. Bilang Pilipino, natural lang na hangarin natin na ang isang ama at lolo ay makasama ang kanyang pamilya, lalo na sa ganitong mga araw,” Go said.

He stressed that the gathering went beyond political expressions, emphasizing compassion for children undergoing cancer treatment.

“Sa gitna ng lahat ng pinagdaraanan natin, hindi natin dapat kalimutan ang mga batang patuloy na lumalaban sa sakit. Ang kaunting oras, dasal, at tulong ay malaking bagay na sa kanila at sa kanilang mga magulang,” the senator said while addressing volunteers and families.

As former chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Go reiterated his long-standing advocacy for increased funding for the Cancer Assistance Fund, citing its importance in easing the financial burden on patients and their families.

His call aligns with the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) under Republic Act No. 11215, which was signed into law in 2019. The law established the National Integrated Cancer Control Program, aimed at providing “affordable and accessible” cancer care nationwide, with the Department of Health’s Cancer Assistance Fund serving as a key support mechanism.

“Marami sa mga pasyente ang hirap kumpletohin ang gamutan dahil sa mataas na gastusin. Kaya ang pagpapalakas sa Cancer Assistance Fund ay para matiyak na mas maraming pamilya ang makakakumpleto ng kanilang treatment, lalo na po yung mga mahihirap na pasyente,” Go said.

The outreach benefited several institutions caring for vulnerable children and patients, including Co Su Gian with 53 participants; Bahay Pag-Asa with 75 children and 20 staff members; House of Hope with 40 patients, 10 parents, and 15 staff; and Balay Dangupan with 55 residents and 20 staff members.