The Davao City government unveiled the “Gold Ribbon,” in support of the International Childhood Cancer Day
The Davao City government unveiled the “Gold Ribbon,” in support of the International Childhood Cancer Day on Monday.
“Unlike in Davao, where many children are given the chance to have cancer treatment, in other areas, only a few can access (cancer) care. I know Davao City will stand for every kid with cancer coming all over Mindanao,” said Dr. Mae Concepcion Dolendo, head of the Children’s Cancer Center of the Children’s Cancer Center of the Department of Pediatrics of Southern Philippines Medical Center, who joined the unveiling ceremony.
Dolendo added that Davao City has the largest pediatric cancer institute – not only in terms of facilities – but also in the number of oncologists and nurses who were trained abroad.
Pursuant to Proclamation No. 01 Series of 2018, Mayor Inday Sara Duterte declared every 15th day of February as International Childhood Cancer Day.
“There is a need to bring attention to and raise awareness to this issue, especially in the local level so that children with cancer get better access to quality treatment, affordable medication, and appropriate support,” the proclamation reads.
According to the proclamation, more than 250,000 children and adolescent around the world are diagnosed with childhood cancer every year, with at least 3,500 new cases recorded in the Philippines annually. The figure made cancer one of the leading causes of death attributed to non-communicable diseases among children.
The signing of the proclamation is in support of the worldwide effort to address the growing concern and make sure affected children and adolescent everywhere have the chance to survive cancer and live long, productive and meaningful lives. CIO
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