Bong Go meets conjoined twins after surgery, agrees to be their godfather

FOR THE first time after the successful surgery to separate conjoined twins Divine and Mercy Cerillo of Sabang, Camarines Norte, former Special Assistant to the President and 2019 senatorial candidate Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go met them again in Manila.

It could be recalled that Go immediately agreed to ask private sector donors to shoulder the expenses for the operation to separate the twins after Camarines Norte Gov. Edgardo “Egay” Tallado brought to the attention of the former SAP the plea for help of his constituents and the parents of the twins, Edmund and Rubelyn Cerillo.

Taking time off from his busy campaign schedule to meet the twins before they go home, Go said he is happy and thankful that the babies were in good health and on their way to leading normal lives after the successful operation. “Nagpapasalamat po ako na naging matagumpay ang operasyon nila Divine at Mercy at ngayon ay pwede na silang mamuhay ng normal tulad ng ibang bata,” Go said.

The twins will be baptized on Sunday, March 16, with Go as one of their godparents. Go also fulfilled his promise that he would introduce the babies and their parents to President Rodrigo Duterte, his mentor who taught him to show genuine concern for the unfortunate and the needy.

The former SAP was so concerned about the twins that even after the surgery, he had communicated with the doctors from time to time to inquire about their condition. Known to be fond of kids, Go made sure he fulfilled his promise to help the twins the best way he could. He had done the same for other children. In December last year, Go also brought holiday cheer among the young cancer patients of the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) in Diliman, Quezon City by giving them gifts and toys. He did the same during his birthday last year.

Meanwhile, Go also assured the parents of the twins he would ask Gov. Tallado to find them a suitable livelihood program so they can have a steady income to support their family that has grown with the addition of the twins. Go had not only helped find donors to shoulder the expenses for the operation of the twins. He also assisted their parents by renting a room for them in Sta. Cruz, Manila where they can stay temporarily until their babies are fit to go home.

Improving the delivery of health services in the country is top in the legislative agenda of Go in his bid for a Senate seat. Part of his health agenda is to make it easier and faster, particularly for poor patients to avail of medical and financial assistance from the government through the Malasakit Center, which brings together in one room all concerned agencies including DOH, DSWD, PCSO and Philhealth. (Jun Ledesma)

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