Inauguration of the Cancer Diagnostic Institute Building and Cancer Treatment Facility Building of the Southern Philippines Medical Center

Posted on March 25, 2022

SPMC Open Grounds, Davao City
March 25, 2022

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte graced the inauguration of the Cancer Diagnostic Institute Building and Cancer Treatment Facility Building of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) at the SPMC open grounds in Davao City.

Upon arrival, the President greeted and interacted with the House of Hope children and the currently admitted patients of the Children’s Cancer Institute (CCI) at the CCI Lobby. He handed cash gifts to each of the children, as well as hugged and kissed several kids on the forehead – a personal vocation that the President has been doing every year, particularly during the holiday season, which he started during his tenure as Davao City Mayor for more than two (2) decades.

Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Dr. Leopoldo Vega presented an audio-visual presentation (AVP) on the history of the two (2) project facilities prior to the ceremonial unveiling of markers by the Chief Executive.

In his keynote address, President Duterte lauded the SPMC, DOH and all private partners for investing in the improvement of healthcare services in the Davao Region. “No longer will our cancer patients need to travel far just to receive the necessary treatments and care. This accessibility to modern healthcare facilities, particularly those that cater to cancer patients, will surely help ease the burden carried by patients and their families,” the President said.

He also expressed his hopes that the opening of the SPMC projects will inspire both public and private hospitals in the country to further improve their services to the Filipino people and urged medical practitioners all over the nation to give the necessary attention to non-COVID-19 cases whose treatments have been delayed or affected due to the restrictions imposed by the government.

DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III, Senator Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go, DOH Undersecretary Dr. Leopoldo Vega and SPMC Medical Center Chief II Dr. Ricardo Audan joined President Duterte in the ceremonial activities during the event.

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