Rody inspires ‘Malasakit’
Committed and focused care resulted in a marked improvement in the survival rate and quality of life of children with cancer
Doctors who have always heeded the call to serve the sick, most especially poor and indigent Filipino children, received praise from Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go.
At the Strategic Planning Workshop and Leadership Meeting of the Pediatric Oncology Leaders in the Asia Pacific Region, which is attended by international delegates from all over the Asia-Pacific region and held in Davao City, the senator emphasized the role of doctors in treating one of the country’s top killer disease, which is cancer, specifically mentioning pediatric oncologists whose patients are close to the senator’s heart.
In his speech, Go said that “through the efforts of Filipino doctors and caregivers,” he witnessed how committed and focused care, regardless of the capacity to pay, resulted in a marked improvement in the survival rate and quality of life of children with cancer.
“Truly, along with effective use of medicine, the human component of cancer management plays a vital role in the success of cancer treatment. I, therefore, thank our doctors and caregivers for being hardworking, reliable and compassionate lifesavers,” he added.
Mentor, role model
Go also highlighted his mentor and role model, President Rodrigo Duterte, who has always put into action the true meaning of “malasakit.”
“I have learned a lot from President Duterte in terms of showing concern. I saw from President Duterte how he cares for Filipinos,” he gratefully said.
The organizers of the event, House of Hope, is one of the benefactors of the President’s love and care for Filipino children who have cancer.
“It is very important to the President. He considers cancer patients always a priority. Way back 2011, in fact, he donated his own house during that time, just to house the cancer patients,” Go said referring to the house of Mr. Duterte inside Margarita Village in Lanang which he donated to the organization.
Hope in a house
“Today, the House of Hope run by the Davao Children’s Cancer Fund Inc. is now permanently housed in that home donated by the former mayor,” he added.