Raise cancer awareness – Go

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bong Go attended the fifth anniversary celebration of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City on Thursday.

The event also served as a platform for launching the Philippine Integrated Cancer Control Strategic Framework for 2024 to 2028, which seeks to raise cancer awareness and improve cancer care.

“Hindi maikakaila na ang kanser ay isang salot sa ating lipunan na nagdudulot ng matinding pasakit, hindi lamang sa mga pasyente kundi pati na rin sa kanilang mga pamilya at mahal sa buhay,” Go said in his speech.

Recognized as a ”cancer warrior” during the cancer warrior campaign launch on Feb. 6, Go stressed that the battle against cancer is a shared responsibility.

He said the new strategic framework represents a collective commitment to reduce the impact of the disease on Filipino families.

The senator acknowledged the contributions of healthcare workers, volunteers and advocates who have been at the forefront of this cause, calling them the true heroes in the fight against cancer.

Go said Congress approved an allocation of P500 million for the National Integrated Cancer Control Program in 2021 and 2023. This year, he said P1.25 billion was allocated for the Cancer Assistance Fund, which can also facilitate access to needed medicine for cancer patients.

Cancer is the second primary cause of death for Filipinos, as reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority. The World Health Organization approximates an annual occurrence of 141,000 new cancer cases and 86,000 cancer-related deaths in the Philippines.

Go also checked the operations of the Malasakit Center at Southern Philippines Medical Center, where he also served meals to patients and their watchers. He also witnessed the inauguration ceremony of the hospital’s cardiac catheterization Laboratory I.