Senator Bong Go engages with Antique barangay leaders to advance local governance, improve healthcare access and bring services closer to the people

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go addressed barangay leaders from Antique during the Liga ng mga Barangay (LNB) – Antique Provincial Congress held at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel in Iloilo City on Tuesday, March 4. Standing before local officials, he reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening grassroots governance, expanding healthcare access, and ensuring that essential public services remain within reach for every Filipino.

In his speech, Senator Go took time to recognize barangay officials for their unwavering dedication to public service. “Gusto kong pasalamatan ang ating barangay officials, sa ating mga opisyal na narito. Gusto kong pasalamatan ang ating mga kaibigan. Of course, maraming salamat po sa ating mga barangay officials na nag-imbita sa akin,” he said.

As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and widely recognized for his health reforms crusade, Senator Go has been at the forefront of legislative efforts aimed at expanding healthcare services, particularly for marginalized communities. One of his key initiatives is the Malasakit Centers program, institutionalized through Republic Act No. 11463, which provides a one-stop shop for indigent patients seeking medical assistance.

“As of now, 167 Malasakit Centers are operational across the country, poised to assist with patients’ medical expenses,” Senator Go said. “Ayon sa DOH (Department of Health), nakapagbigay na ng tulong ang Malasakit Centers sa mahigit 17 milyong Pilipino.”

Beyond Malasakit Centers, Senator Go has also championed the establishment of Super Health Centers, designed to provide primary care, consultation, and early disease detection.

“Sa pamamagitan ng ating pagtutulungan—mga kapwa kong mambabatas, DOH (Department of Health), LGUs (local government units), at Secretary Ted Herbosa—may pondo na tayo para sa mahigit 700 Super Health Centers sa buong bansa,” he said.

These centers aim to decongest major hospitals and bring healthcare services closer to Filipinos. His advocacy extends further with RA 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which he authored and principally sponsored. This law mandates the establishment of specialty centers in DOH regional hospitals, making specialized healthcare more accessible.

Reaffirming his commitment to medical assistance, Senator Go encouraged barangay officials to coordinate with his office for healthcare-related concerns. “Salamat po sa tulong sa mga pasyente... kung may mga pasyente kayong nangangailangan ng tulong, kung may kailangan operahan sa Antique... magtutulungan po tayo para maayos ito.”

Continuing his push for reforms, Senator Go authored Senate Bill No. 2802, which seeks to extend the term of Barangay and SK officials from three years to four years. He also introduced Senate Bill No. 197, or the Magna Carta for Barangays, aiming to provide barangay officials with benefits similar to those of regular government employees if enacted into law. 

Further strengthening grassroots healthcare, Senator Go co-sponsored SBN 2838, or the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), which was approved on the third and final reading by the Senate on February 3.

Expressing his gratitude to the officials of Antique, Senator Go acknowledged Governor Rhodora Cadiao, Vice Governor Edgar Denosta, and Congressman AA Legarda of the Lone Legislative District of Antique for their leadership and dedication to public welfare. He also recognized the efforts of LNB Antique Chapter officials, emphasizing their crucial role in ensuring that government programs effectively reach the grassroots level. “Salamat po sa inyo sa pagbigay ng suporta sa ating mga kababayan,” he said.

As he concluded his remarks, Senator Go highlighted his legislative track record, underscoring his unwavering commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure. “Bilang inyong senador, ako po ay nagtatrabaho. I have authored 16 laws. I principally sponsored 82 laws including 80 laws for the establishment and upgrade of public hospitals.”

Proudly, he also noted his perfect attendance in the Senate. “At proud akong sabihin na wala akong absent sa Senado! Bisyo ko ang magserbisyo sa ating bayan!”

Ending his speech on a heartfelt note, Senator Go reassured barangay officials that his service would continue, regardless of political circumstances. “Kung mabibigyan pa po ako ng panibagong termino, patuloy po akong maglilingkod sa ating mga kababayan. At kahit anong mangyari, nandito lang po ako para tumulong sa abot ng aking makakaya.”

Echoing his personal philosophy on public service, he left the attendees with a poignant message:

“Dahil minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano mang kabutihan o tulong ang kaya nating gawin sa ating kapwa, gawin na po natin ngayon. Dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito. Ako po, ang buo kong puso ay para sa inyo!”

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