Kuya Bong spreads hope via ‘SAPatos’

Kuya Bong’s ray of sunshine Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Lawrence “Kuya Bong” Go spends his birthday with a child cancer patient at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center in Quezon City on his birthday last June 14. Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher “Kuya Bong” Go works that charm again.

After jokingly referring to himself as “Chicken Curry” a week ago during a Daily Tribune interview on his basketball exploits, here he goes yet again with the launch of “Sapatos ni SAP, Tsinelas Ka-Swap” advocacy project at the Cebu Convention Center last Thursday.

An obvious play on his being the trusted aide of President Rodrigo Duterte, Kuya Bong turns deadly serious about his project similar to his purported shooting skills, which people who play with him liken to the Golden State Warriors gunner Stephen Curry and, thus, the moniker he coined for himself.

Kuya Bong was quoted as saying the advocacy project of giving away shoes serves as a bridge to letting dreams, hopes and aspirations come true for those who receive a pair.

The project was officially launched nationwide last June 23 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City with the initiatives of private sector individuals and big companies in the country. A hundred students were given shoes during that event.

His advocacy sparked a donation drive where interested donors can drop their unused or donated shoes in drop boxes in 200 Puregold branches nationwide.

Kuya Bong’s charitable stints have gone on for years, decades even. He was quoted as being inspired by his boss, who does not celebrate his birthdays.

“Like the President, for the past 20 years, I have not celebrated my birthday. The President does not hold parties, so who am I to hold a party?” he said.

He recently celebrated his 44th birthday with children afflicted with cancer. Kuya Bong turned over P1 million in financial assistance to the Philippine Children’s Medical Center’s (PCMC) Cancer and Hematology Center. The donated cash came from his Team Malacañang Kamao’s pot for its runner-up finish at the UNTV basketball tournament last March.

Kuya Bong said he and his boss are always ready to provide any kind of assistance that they are capable of giving.

“President Duterte and I are open to any help we could offer. Don’t hesitate to come,” Kuya Bong told parents of the cancer patients and the hospital management during the visit.

He said visiting the PCMC cancer ward on his birthday was also in keeping with a 20-year tradition that started since he became Duterte’s aide.