SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go commended the Senior Citizens Association in Barangay Caniogan, Pasig City, on Saturday, October 26, as they celebrate Elderly Month, emphasizing his support for the elderly community and acknowledging their invaluable role in society.
In his message, Go expressed his deep respect and gratitude for senior citizens, stating,
“Kayo po ang naging pundasyon ng ating bayan—sa inyong sipag, tiyaga, at pagmamahal, marami kayong naituro sa amin na patuloy naming isasabuhay.”
He reassured them that he would continue to advocate for programs and policies that ensure their welfare and well-being.
Go highlighted the recent legislative achievements designed to enhance support for senior citizens. Among these is Republic Act No. 11982, which he co-authored and co-sponsored. The law extends the cash gift program to include Filipinos aged 80, 85, 90, and 95, each receiving P10,000, complementing the P100,000 incentive already available to centenarians.
“These milestones reflect our gratitude and commitment to our elders,” Go remarked.
Additionally, he mentioned Republic Act No. 11916, which he co-authored to amend the Senior Citizens Act and increase the social pension for indigent senior citizens. This adjustment, he said, aims to “alleviate the daily struggles of our elderly, lalo na sa mga nangangailangan.”
Go, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also highlighted the presence of a Malasakit Center at Rizal Medical Center in Pasig City, where senior citizens and their families can access medical support from the government.
“Ang Malasakit Center po ay para sa inyo—isang paraan upang mapalapit ang serbisyo ng gobyerno sa mga nangangailangan, lalo na sa inyong kalusugan,” Go said, reassuring the attendees that his office remains committed to supporting their healthcare needs.
Go spearheaded the establishment of Malasakit Centers in 2018, which were later institutionalized through Republic Act No. 11463, also known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, a measure he principally authored and sponsored.
This law mandates all Department of Health-run hospitals and the Philippine General Hospital to set up their own Malasakit Centers, with the option for other public hospitals to do the same, provided they meet the operational standards outlined in the law. According to the DOH, these centers have collectively assisted more than 15 million Filipinos to date.
In coordination with Mr. Andy Cheng, Go’s Malasakit Team provided some tokens of appreciation and support to around 200 senior citizens in attendance.
The celebration underscored the dedication of Pasig City’s senior community, along with the continued support of leaders like Senator Bong Go, who champion laws that prioritize the needs of the elderly.
“Huwag po kayong magpasalamat sa akin. Ako po ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyong lahat sa pagkakataong ibinigay ninyo sa akin upang makapagserbisyo. Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit na ang tanging bisyo ay magserbisyo, patuloy kong gagampanan ang aking tungkulin sa abot ng aking makakaya. Naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” Go concluded.
