Despite the absence of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is marking his 80th birthday in private, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go ensured the continuation of their shared tradition: commemorating the former president’s birthday by visiting cancer patients, particularly children, at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City instead of holding public celebrations.
In an emotional gathering held at the Children’s Cancer Institute inside the SPMC compound on Friday, March 28, Senator Go spent the day with 84 young cancer patients, their parents, and health workers, offering prayers, support, and renewed pledges to continue Duterte’s enduring legacy of compassionate service to the poor and the ill.
“Happy birthday po kay Tatay ngayong araw. Talagang nakagawian na namin ito noon pa—at gaya ng sinasabi ko, hindi maarte si Tatay Digong tuwing kaarawan n’ya,” said Senator Go, recalling how Duterte’s birthdays were never about celebration, but about being with the people who needed help the most.
“Dalawampu’t anim na taon na kaming magkasama sa serbisyo. Ang unang birthday celebration n’ya, ginanap sa Smokey Mountain. Hindi siya mahilig mag-party, pero napilit siya noon na doon magpunta—sa mga lugar na may mga nangangailangan,” he added.
Senator Go spoke fondly of their past visits to impoverished communities—including informal settlements in Santa Ana—where Duterte would celebrate his birthday in solidarity with the poor. This year, despite the emotional weight of Duterte’s absence, Senator Go emphasized the importance of continuing what his mentor had started.
“Tuwang-tuwa ako na nandito tayo ngayon, kasama ang mga batang cancer patients. Nakakatuwang makita na meron sa kanila ang nakaka-recover, meron ring mga survivors na,” he said.
In his speech, Senator Go recalled a young cancer patient named Adsel from Midsayap, North Cotabato, who was among those personally cared for by Duterte. He shared that Duterte, 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.
Senator 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.
“Gusto ko ring pasalamatan si Dr. Mae—walang sawang nagseserbisyo. Palakpakan po natin siya. Siya ang paborito ni Tatay Digong. Mahal na mahal po namin siya ni Tatay, dahil sa tunay n’yang malasakit. Ilang buhay na ang kanyang nailigtas,” said Senator Go.
In his message, Senator Go made clear that the advocacy he and Duterte shared continues in the form of policy and institutional support. As Chairperson 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.
“Bilang Chairman ng Senate Committee on Health, tutulong po ako sa abot ng aking makakaya. May mga programa tayo tulad ng Cancer Assistance Fund at mga Specialty Centers para sa mga may sakit. Para po ito sa lahat ng Pilipino—walang pinipili,” he said, vowing to push for increased funding and broader accessibility.
Senator Go has consistently pushed for an increase in the budget for the Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF) year after year, which is a key component of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) under Republic Act No. 11215.
Enacted in 2019 during the Duterte administration, the law aims to make cancer treatment more accessible and affordable. CAF, in particular, offers financial support to patients, covering diagnostics, medications, and other essential treatments.
This year’s gathering took on a deeper, more solemn tone, with Duterte being unable to personally attend. Senator Go urged the crowd to keep the former president in their prayers, revealing the emotional toll of Duterte’s absence on what should have been a joyous occasion.
“Birthday n’ya, pero mag-isa lang siya. Simpleng tao lang ‘yon—kahit tuyo o munggo, okay na sa kanya. Ang tanong lang, sino na magdadala sa kanya ng munggo? Sino ang magdadala ng tuyo sa kanya roon?” Senator Go asked.
“Pakiusap ko sa inyong lahat: ipagdasal natin siya. ‘Wag po tayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Magtulungan tayo. Ito po ang bilin n’ya sa akin—tulungan ang mga pasyente, tulungan ang mahihirap na wala nang ibang matakbuhan,” he added.
In 2019, Duterte himself donated in Margarita Village to the House of Hope Foundation, which now serves as a halfway home for pediatric cancer patients and their families. The facility, located within the SPMC compound, was expanded and renovated with support from private donors and the assistance of Senator Go. It stands today as a testament to their shared belief that healthcare must be brought closer to those who need it most—especially children from low-income families.
“Noong una, tinulungan ko siyang makabili ng munting bahay sa Villa Margarita. Doon n’ya pinatira ang ibang batang may cancer para may matirhan habang ginagamot at nag-aaral sa SPMC. Sinasabi ko po ito para ipaalala sa inyo: ‘wag kayong mawalan ng pag-asa. May Diyos tayong pinaniniwalaan. Siya lang ang nakakaalam kung kailan tayo mawawala sa mundong ‘to,” he said.
Senator Go’s presence reaffirmed that belief.
“Ngayon, magdasal po tayo. Hindi pababayaan ng Diyos si Tatay Digong. Sigurado ako, kung nakikita n’ya tayong nagtitipon ngayon, matutuwa siya na ginugunita natin ang kanyang kaarawan,” he said.
“Pakiusap ko lang po: ipagdasal natin ang kalusugan ni Tatay Digong, ang kanyang kaligtasan, at higit sa lahat, ang kanyang kalayaan. Nawa’y bigyan pa siya ng mahabang buhay—sana umabot pa siya ng 150 years, para makabalik siya rito at makasama natin muli,” he added.
Later in the day, Senator Go joined a larger prayer gathering in Davao City in honor of Duterte’s birthday. The senator acknowledged that over 200 simultaneous gatherings are being held globally, a testament to the continued and widespread support for the former president.
As the event ended with a group prayer and a moving rendition of “Happy Birthday” sung for Duterte, Senator Go stood before the children, health workers, and parents—grieving, hoping, but never forgetting.
“Para sa isang taong tunay na nagmahal at nagserbisyo sa atin. Tingnan n’yo si Tatay Digong… ‘yon siya,” he said, moments after the crowd joined together in song to honor the former president’s legacy.
