Senator Bong Go personally attended the House of Hope Foundation Annual Survivors Day Celebration held at SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang, Davao City.
Go was invited by Minda Cruz, President of the House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer, Inc., and Southern Philippines Medical Center Head of Cancer Institute Dra. Mae Dolendo as the foundation hosted its annual thanksgiving celebration dedicated to children and adolescents undergoing or who have completed cancer treatment.
In his message, the veteran legislator expressed his deep gratitude to the House of Hope Foundation for its life-saving mission.
“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,” the seasoned lawmaker said.
“Bigyan natin ng importansya at prayoridad ang health.”
“Malapit sa puso ko ang mga pasyente. Ang gusto ko gawin ngayon sa aking pagtratrabaho, bigyan natin ng importansya at prayoridad ang health. Health is wealth po. Ang kalusugan ay katumbas ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” the senador added.
“Sa mga cancer survivors, huwag kayong mawalan ng pag-asa, habang may buhay, may pag-asa,” he emphasized.
Go highlighted the profound connection between House of Hope and former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, who has supported the foundation for many years, even before becoming president.
“Nung inimbita ako ni Dra. Mae, hindi ako nagdalawang isip. Sabi ko na kailangan na kahit wala ngayon si Tatay Digong, mapaabot natin ang pagmamahal niya. Alam ko na kung nandito lang si Tatay Digos, sigurado na nandito din siya sa Survivor’s Day. Patuloy po natin siyang ipagdasal na sana next year, nandito na din siya kasama natin,” he said.
During the event, the 482 patients received food packs, while others received pens, balls, shirts, and fans.
Through the years, the former Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health has consistently advocated for increased funding for the Cancer Assistance Fund, highlighting its vital role in easing the financial burdens faced by patients and families.
“Kaya ang pagpapalakas sa Cancer Assistance Fund ay para matiyak na mas maraming pamilya ang makakakumpleto ng kanilang treatment.”
Go’s call for increased funding aligns with the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA), under Republic Act No. 11215, signed by former president Rodrigo 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.
“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,” he emphasized.
Go likewise highlighted one of his flagship programs. The Malasakit Center, a one-stop shop designed to streamline medical assistance programs from various government agencies, ensuring that Filipinos can access medical assistance to overcome the financial burden of healthcare costs.
He is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. Currently, 167 Malasakit Centers operate nationwide, providing assistance to patients with their medical expenses. In Davao City, a Malasakit Center is located at SPMC.
Calling for health to remain a top national priority, Go stressed, “Bilang senador, naawa ako sa mga pasyente. Yung mga sinayang nila sa flood control, libu-libo na pasyente na sana ang natulungan, ilang ospital, ilang health center na sana ang napatayo. I am one with the Filipinos in this fight against corruption,” he stressed.
Go also highlighted the importance of “Balay Pahulayan,” or halfway houses, for families of patients with long-term treatment.
“Katong mayor pa si Mayor Duterte, gipatukod niya ang Balay Pahulayan atbang sa SPMC. One floor na sauna, gipa tukod para naay pahulayan ang mga watchers samtang naga hulat sailang mga pasyente. Karon, gihimo natong four floors (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),” he said.
The same facility now exists in other hospitals, including Philippine Children’s Medical Center in Quezon City and Philippine General Hospital in Manila.
In closing, Go reminded everyone that House of Hope is more than just a facility.
“Dili lang ni pasilidad. Usa ni ka puy-anan ug usa ka pahinumdom nga kung naa’y gugma, naa’y paglaum ug naa’y kinabuhi (Hindi lang ito isang pasilidad. Ito’y isang tahanan at paalala na kung may pagmamahalan, may pag-asa at buhay),” Go concluded.
