The Christmas outreach, organized in a tradition long associated with former President Rodrigo Duterte, brought together caregivers, volunteers, and young patients for a simple gathering that combined gift-giving with quiet reflection. Senator Go participated in the distribution of assistance to pediatric cancer patients, echoing a practice he learned from his mentor and has consistently supported in various charity and hospital-based activities as a public servant.
During the event, Go underscored his prayer that the former president should be able to spend the holidays 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 added that the gathering was not only about expressing political support but about remembering those who continue to struggle with illness, particularly 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 remarked, speaking briefly to volunteers and families present.
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.
The senator'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, the DOH’s Cancer Assistance Fund 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.
The outreach benefited several institutions caring for vulnerable children and patients, including Co Su Gian, which had 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.
Records show that Senator Go authored 25 laws and principally sponsored 95 laws, including 93 measures focused on the establishment and upgrading of public hospitals across the country.
In closing, the senator returned to the central message of the outreach, tying together the themes of Christmas, family, and concern for the sick. “Ang Pasko ay paalala na hindi tayo nag-iisa. Kapag sama-sama tayong nagdarasal at tumutulong, mas nagiging malinaw kung ano ang mahalaga bilang isang bayan,” Go said, as the activity concluded with a short prayer and distribution of assistance to the beneficiaries.
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