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MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bong Go commemorated former president Rodrigo Duterte’s 80th birthday by visiting cancer patients, particularly children, at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City.
At a gathering in the Children’s Cancer Institute inside the SPMC compound, Go spent the day with 84 young cancer patients, their parents and health workers, offering prayers, support and renewed pledges to continue Duterte’s legacy of compassionate service to the poor and the ill.
“Happy birthday to tatay (Duterte) on this day. We used to do this before, and like I’ve always said, Tatay Digong does not want a lot of fuss during his birthday,” the senator said in Filipino.
“We’ve been in service together for 26 years,” Go continued, recalling the first time Duterte celebrated his birthday with the poor community at Smokey Mountain in Manila. “He’s not fond of parties, but he was forced to go there – to the places where people were in need.”
This year, despite Duterte’s absence, Go emphasized the importance of continuing what his mentor had started.
“I’m so happy we are here today with the child cancer patients. It is nice to see that some of them are recovering, and there are even survivors as well,” he said.
Go recalled a young cancer patient named Adsel from Midsayap, North Cotabato, who was among those personally cared for by Duterte. He shared that the former president, known for his quiet acts of compassion, once personally brought Adsel home to their province.
The senator also recalled the stories of cancer survivors Arjee Cabudoy and Jovhen Ramirez who, through his assistance, became scholars and have since transformed their journey of survival into sources of hope for others.
Go also highlighted the selfless work of Dr. Mae Dolendo, head of the SPMC Children’s Cancer Institute and a long-time partner in the Duterte-Go health mission.
“I would also like to thank Dr. Mae for her never ending service. We both love her because she truly cares. She has saved many lives,” he said.
Go made clear that the advocacy he and Duterte shared continues in the form of policy and institutional support. As chair of the Senate committee on health and vice chair of the Senate committee on finance, he stressed his focus on sustaining and expanding key medical programs.
“As chairman of the Senate committee on health, I will help to the best of my abilities. We have programs such as the cancer assistance fund (CAF) and specialty centers for those who are ill. This is for every Filipino,” he said, vowing to push for increased funding and broader accessibility.
Go has consistently pushed for an increase in the budget for the CAF, which is a key component of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act under Republic Act 11215.
Enacted in 2019 during the Duterte administration, the law aims to make cancer treatment more accessible and affordable. The CAF, in particular, offers financial support to patients, covering diagnostics, medications and other essential treatments.
In 2019, Duterte donated his personal three bedroom home in Margarita Village, Davao, to the House of Hope Foundation, a non-stock non-profit charity organization that responds to the needs of children with cancer in Davao and Mindanao. The house now serves as a halfway home for pediatric cancer patients and their families.
The House of Hope Foundation is located within the SPMC compound. The facility was expanded and renovated with support from private donors and Go’s assistance.
It stands today as a testament to the senator’s and Duterte’s shared belief that health care must be brought closer to those who need it most – especially children from low-income families.
