News | April 3, 2025 by Gillian Geronimo / Photo By: Shem Bonode
Yung pasasalamat ko sa PCSO, hindi mapapantayan. ‘Yung binigay sa akin, kumbaga, panibagong buhay na eh.”
This is what 68-year-old Tan Rondario said after beating colon cancer following nearly eight long months of chemotherapy, which the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) was able to help with through its Medical Assistance Program (MAP).
In December 2022, Rondario went to the emergency room after experiencing sudden and severe stomach pains.
“Masakit ‘yung aking tiyan. ‘Di ako makatulog, ‘di na ‘ko makakain, hindi na rin ako makadumi. Sabi ko sa misis ko magpacheck-up nalang ako sa doctor,” he shared.
Through a colonoscopy, a tumor, the size of which indicated he had Stage III cancer, was discovered in his colon. He underwent surgery to have it removed on December 22, 2022.
Rondario said he decided to apply for medical assistance from the PCSO after an oncologist prescribed eight sessions of chemotherapy following the surgery which he had already paid for.
“Nakita lang po namin sa internet na ang PCSO ay handang tumulong sa mga katulad namin na kapos-palad. Hindi [na] namin kayang masuportahan yung [pagpapagamot] sa’kin kaya nagbakasakali kami at hindi naman nabigo,” he said.
After his treatment, he underwent PET scans and CT scans to monitor his condition until he was finally declared cancer-free in early 2024.
Following a challenging bout with cancer, Rondario’s best advice to everyone: “mag-ingat sa kinakain.” He highly recommended prioritizing drinking water over sugary and alcoholic drinks, as well as eating healthy food like fruits and vegetables over junk and processed food.
Meawhile, the cancer survivor’s advice to patients who are currently battling a disease is to never give up hope.
Tan Rondario currently lives in Muntinlupa and has two sons.
For medical assistance inquiries, please visit the PCSO’s official website, pcso.gov.ph, for the list of requirements and how to apply.
