DAVAO CITY – Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte visited pediatric cancer patients at the Cancer Institute at the Southern Philippines Medical Center here on Thursday night, Dec. 19.
Duterte brought gifts and interacted with pediatric cancer patients in his annual Christmas tradition.
The Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod party said in their Facebook page that Duterte’s tradition of visiting children with cancer every December has grown into a heartfelt act of compassion and encouragement for the patients and their respective families.
“Former President Duterte continues to show his unwavering commitment to uplifting the spirits of those facing complex challenges, reassuring them that they are not alone in their fights,” said the Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod party.
A Facebook post from Mars Magdael said that one of the patients shed tears when he saw Duterte which was his heartfelt wish on his birth anniversary. The boy hugged the former President tight and thanked him for defending the police.
Magdael, who shared photos from the Sonshine Media Network International, said it was a “profoundly emotional moment” as it turned out the boy’s father is a member of the Philippine National Police.
She also said that despite the elevator being out of service, Duterte – advanced in age and appearing frail – climbed the stairs to fulfill the boy’s wish, demonstrating his unwavering compassion towards these children.
Duterte distributed 62 e-bikes to support the livelihood of the families of cancer patients at Balay Dangupan here before he visited and distributed gifts to the pediatric cancer patients at the SPMC.