by Noel Baguio
FORMER Davao del Norte vice governor Anthony del Rosario (AGR) has resumed work as chief executive assistant to his father, Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario, and concurrent sports czar of the province after having been given a clean bill of health by his doctors in Manila and Singapore.
AGR is back after a six-month furlough to undergo chemotherapy treatment for his lymphoma at the St. Luke’s Hospital in Makati City.
Provincial officials and employees welcomed him back during the flagraising ceremony at the Capitol and the convocation program later at the Bulwagan ng Lalawigan on August 3, 2009.
“It’s good to be back,” he told the cheering Capitol crowd. A large banner declaring, “Welcome home AGR, we missed you,” hung on one side.
After the program, he entertained guests in his Bulwagan office.
Anthony arrived Saturday from Singapore where he had sought medical verification that his cancer is indeed completely gone, as vouched for earlier by his doctors in Manila .
On Sunday, AGR offered a thanksgiving mass at the Christ the Eucharistic King Parish Church in Tagum City celebrated by Rev. Fr. Ariel Garcia and concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Dioscoro Bucod.
Anthony was in a state of bliss as he was flanked by his parents Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario and “Inday” Milagros, brother Raffy and wife Carmina, together with friends and about two thousand well-wishers during the mass.
“Dako ang akong kalipay nga finally nakabalik na jud ko. Human na ang akong chemo treatment, ug matud sa akong mga doctor sa Manila ug sa Singapore nga maayo na jud ko. (I am very happy to be back. My treatment is completed and my doctors in Manila and Singapore had all given me a clean bill of health,” he told members of the media after the thanksgiving mass.
AGR said he was glad he did not experience adverse side effects like hair loss, loss of appetite, vomiting and other symptoms from the chemotherapy.
“My prayers were answered by the Lord and I am so happy for having been given a new lease in life,” he beamed.
Throughout his ordeal, he said he leaned on his family for courage. His parents and siblings were always there when he needed them. He also acknowledged the prayers and support of his friends and supporters, especially the Kami Dabaonon Foundation and the Capitol officials and employees, whom he called his “extended family”.
