President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday turned over a PHP150 million donation to the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) and assured children cancer warriors and their families of continued government support.

Marcos’ visit to the PCMC was in line with the observance of the Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

The PCMC is one of the National Centers for Specialized Health Care under the Department of Health (DOH) that provides pediatric care, offers training programs for medical and allied health care providers, and was established by the President’s parents in 1980.

“To our little warriors and their families: You are not alone in this fight. Hindi po kayo (nag-iisa). Kami ay nandito po kasama ninyo at kabalikat ninyo na gagawin ang lahat upang tulungan ang inyong mga anak na maging malusog at maging malakas (We are here with you and we will do everything we can to help your children be healthy and strong),” Marcos said.

“We stand with you, ensuring that quality health care, early diagnosis, necessary treatments, and medical assistance for indigent and financially incapacitated patients are accessible to you and to all,” he added.

According to the President, PCMC was borne out of his parents’ “love for children and from their belief that children are this nation’s greatest treasure.”

“And I think, especially in the Filipino culture, that that is certainly the case not only with my parents, not only with the health care workers, but with every single family,” he said.

“After all, I think that all of us are unanimous in saying ang pinakamamahal natin sa buhay ang ating mga anak (we love our children the most).”

He also thanked the PCMC staff for their commitment and dedication to children’s health care.

Likewise, Marcos thanked the children cancer patients and their families for inspiring everyone and teaching that life, “no matter how fragile, is always worth fighting for.”

“In every small voice that I have heard today, in every brave smile that has crossed my path, I have seen a glimpse of that extraordinary courage that can move nations,” he said.

“Sa lahat ng mga narito, lalo na sa mga pasyente at kanilang mga pamilya, maraming salamat po sa pagpapaalala sa amin na minsan, ang mga pinakamahihinang tinig ang nagpapamalas sa atin ng matinding kalakasan; na minsan, ang tanging kailangan natin ay tunay na pagmamahal at matibay na kalooban upang magpatuloy sa kabila ng lahat (To everyone here, especially the patients and their families, thank you very much for reminding us that sometimes, the weakest voices manifest the greatest strength; that sometimes, all we need is true love and a strong will to continue despite everything).”

During the program, the President toured and inspected PCMC facilities and equipment with Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa and PCMC executive director Dr. Sonia Gonzalez.

Birthday greetings

Before the program ended, children cancer warriors and their families surprised Marcos with a birthday greeting.

Mascots from a popular Filipino fast-food chain also joined the simple celebration.

Marcos will celebrate his 67th birthday on Sept. 13. (PNA)