“Itong pagseserbisyo po ay dapat mula sa puso": Bong Go lauds councilors during PCL Provincial Assembly, cites healthcare initiatives in Quezon Province

On Thursday, July 9, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go highlighted the continuing expansion of healthcare services in Quezon Province as he personally joined the Philippine Councilor League (PCL) Quezon First Provincial Assembly at FarmKo Glamping in Dolores, Quezon.

Speaking before local legislators from across the province, Go reaffirmed his commitment to bringing essential government services closer to communities while commending councilors for their crucial role in delivering responsive and people-centered governance.

“Itong pagseserbisyo po ay dapat mula sa puso. Ang laki ng respeto ko sa ating mga konsehal sa buong Pilipinas. You are superstars in your own rights. Pareho po tayo ng trabaho. Ang trabaho po natin ay legislation, constituency, at representation. Dapat bukas po ang ating opisina para sa lahat ng ating kababayan... tutulong po ako sa abot ng aking makakaya" he said.

Go also expressed his gratitude to the people of Quezon for their continued trust and support during the elections.

"Maraming salamat at ginawa niyo akong number six sa buong probinsya ng Quezon, number three sa Dolores, at number one sa buong PIlipinas... Ang bilis po ng panahon, nasa second term na po ako ng aking term," he added.

The senator likewise recalled his previous engagement with the PCL Quezon Chapter, noting that this was not his first opportunity to meet the province's local legislators. He attended the PCL Quezon Convention in April 2023, where he also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting local governments and even welcomed some of the councilors during their visit to Davao.

"Ako naman po'y magtatrabaho sa abot ng aking makakaya. Ang ilan po sa inyo dito ay nakasama ko noong April 2023, naimbitahan niyo ako sa inyong PCL Convention at ang iba ay napasyal ko pa sa Davao," he also said.

During the event, Go acknowledged the officers of PCL Quezon Chapter, including President Board Member Aileen Malabanan-Dellosa of Candelaria, Vice President Councilor Roberto De Vero of Tagkawayan, Secretary Councilor Alexander Morales of Mulanay, Treasurer Councilor Eugene Lopez of Tiaong, Auditor Councilor Rosemarie Olanda of Lopez, Public Relations Officer Councilor Vince Alcala of Sariaya, and Business Manager Councilor Elchor Caralian of Gumaca.

Consistent with his commitment to improving healthcare access in Quezon, Go, Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, highlighted the establishment of the Regional Specialty Center at the Southern Luzon Multi-Specialty Medical Center (SLMSMC) in Tayabas City. The facility is among the specialty centers being established under Republic Act No. 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which Go principally sponsored and co-authored in the Senate. He likewise attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the project on March 5, 2024.

Go also highlighted RA 11474, which he principally sponsored, upgrading the Maria L. Eleazar District Hospital in Tagkawayan, Quezon into a Level III general hospital, now known as the Maria L. Eleazar General Hospital. 

Senator Go is also the principal author and sponsor of RA 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act, which aims to make government medical assistance more accessible and efficient, especially for indigent patients. 

To date, there are currently 167 Malasakit Centers established nationwide. These include the Malasakit Centers in Quezon Medical Center in Lucena City and Maria L. Eleazar General Hospital in Tagkawayan.

Department of Health figures show that more than 17 million Filipinos are benefitting from this initiative

Go likewise reaffirmed his continued push for measures that aim to strengthen local governance and provide greater support to barangay officials and frontline workers.

Among these initiatives is RA 11466, which he authored and co-sponsored. The law provides salary adjustments for government personnel, including public healthcare workers.

He also filed Senate Bill No. 197, which seeks to grant barangay officials benefits similar to those of regular government employees if enacted into law.

“Huwag po kayong mag-atubiling lumapit sa akin anumang oras dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” Go concluded.

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