SEN. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go joined former president Rodrigo Duterte two days before the latter’s birthday as they reaffirmed their commitment to the fight against cancer. The duo attended the blessing ceremony of the newly renovated House of Hope at Margarita Village in Davao City on Sunday, March 26.In his message, Go shared how Duterte’s passion for helping cancer patients drove the former president to donate his property to establish the House of Hope.

He commended House of Hope for its continued efforts in providing treatment and care for children with cancer, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

The House of Hope provides free temporary housing and support services to children with cancer and their families who come from different parts of the country.

The facility aims to help alleviate the financial burden of cancer treatment by providing a safe and comfortable place to stay for the patients and their families while undergoing treatment in Davao City.

The former president usually spends his birthday with young patients.One of the first patients of House of Hope, Arjee Cabudoy, 25 years old from Panacan, Davao City, was also invited to the gathering and personally met and chatted with the two.

Cabudoy was only 13 years old when he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma or bone cancer, and House of Hope welcomed him wholeheartedly in 2010 to provide him with proper care. Now cancer-free, Cabudoy continues to live a normal life and is busy with his small business and taking care of his child and fiancée.

“No child should ever have to go through cancer alone. That’s why I am committed to supporting House of Hope and its mission to provide a safe and comfortable home for cancer patients and their families,” Go said.

Meanwhile, the bus company Ceres donated a coaster bus for House of Hope. Duterte, Go, Dr. Mae Dolendo of House of Hope, Monsignor Paul Cuizon, and BGen. Alden Delvo took a ride on to join a gathering with children, patients of House of Hope and supporters of the former president and the senator.

Go has supported various initiatives and programs to help cancer patients, such as the Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers, and the National Integrated Cancer Control Act. His efforts have been recognized by several organizations, including the Philippine Cancer Society and the Philippine Society of Oncology.

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, was also one of the lawmakers who actively advocated for the Cancer Assistance Fund to be included in the government’s 2023 budget.

“I am always one with you in the fight against this disease. In fact, during the budget deliberations last year, I pushed for an additional budget for the cancer assistance fund to subsidize the cost of cancer treatment, including the needed diagnostics and laboratory tests,” Go said.

Acknowledging the demand for specialized inpatient and outpatient hospital services, he also reiterated his support for the establishment of more specialty hospitals or centers nationwide.

The senator pointed out that many Filipinos with health concerns, especially those in farflung areas, struggle to receive immediate and adequate medical attention given the need to travel to urbanized cities to visit existing specialty hospitals.

“The fight against cancer is a difficult one, but it is a fight that we can win. I am fully committed to supporting organizations like House of Hope that provide hope and care for cancer patients, especially children who are the most vulnerable,” said Go.