IN a gathering of Bohol’s municipal leaders, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go addressed the 2024 General Assembly of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) – Bohol Chapter, held at Solaire Hotel in Parañaque City on Monday, December 2.
The assembly, which brought together municipal mayors from across the province, Congresswoman Vanessa Aumentado and Governor Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado, served as a platform to reinforce collaboration and strengthen local governance.
The event was led by LMP Bohol Chapter President Mayor Fernando B. Estavilla of President Carlos P. Garcia. Other officers included Executive Vice President Mayor Dave D. Duallo of Buenavista, Vice President Mayor Lynn Iven Lim of Cortes, Mayor Constantino Reyes of Ubay, and Mayor Juliet Dano of Sevilla, Secretary General Mayor Ongie Grace Lim of Mabini, Treasurer Mayor Diosdado N. Gementiza, Jr. of San Isidro, and Auditor Mayor Ian Gil Mendez of San Miguel.
As one of the invited guest speakers, Senator Go commended the vital roles played by local chief executives in steering their communities toward progress. “Mga mayor, kayo ang tunay na haligi ng ating bayan. Sa inyong mga desisyon nakasalalay ang kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan. Sa inyo nagsisimula ang tunay na pagbabago,” he emphasized.
“Bagamat magkakaiba ang ating mga papel—ako bilang senador at kayo bilang mga alkalde—iisa ang ating layunin: ang maglingkod sa ating mga kababayan,” Go emphasized.
Transitioning to his legislative efforts, Go highlighted several measures aimed at enhancing governance and public welfare in the country.
Go filed Senate Bill No. 194, titled the E-Governance Act, which aims to enhance the accessibility, efficiency, and transparency of government services. He also discussed his support for Republic Act No. 11466, or the Salary Standardization Law (SSL) 5, for which he was one of the authors and co-sponsors in the Senate in 2019. He also filed SBN 2504, or the proposed SSL 6, aimed at providing fair and competitive compensation for government workers. He also previously welcomed an executive order by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that mandates significant salary increases for public servants.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Senator Go reaffirmed his commitment to expanding access to healthcare, particularly in underserved areas. He highlighted three flagship programs—Malasakit Centers program, Super Health Centers, and Regional Specialty Centers—as pivotal to improving the health and well-being of Filipinos.
Go explained that the Malasakit Centers, now numbering 166 nationwide, streamline medical assistance from concerned government agencies. “Ang Malasakit Centers ay isang inisyatiba para gawing mas madali para sa ating mga kababayan ang pagkuha ng tulong medikal. Dito, mas mabilis at mas abot-kamay ang serbisyong pangkalusugan,” he said.
Principally authored and sponsored by Go, Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 brings together concerned agencies to help reduce hospital expenses for patients to the lowest possible amount. The Malasakit Centers have proved to be a success, having already assisted more than 15 million Filipinos nationwide, as reported by the Department of Health.
He also discussed the ongoing construction of over 700 Super Health Centers across the country which he advocated for together with DOH, LGUs and fellow lawmakers. These centers bring essential healthcare services closer to grassroots communities, ensuring timely consultations and early detection of diseases. “Maraming Super Health Centers ang nakatayo na, at marami pa ang paparating. Ilapit natin ang pangunahing serbisyo medikal sa mga komunidad,” he added.
The senator further underscored the significance of RA 11959 or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which aims to establish advanced medical facilities in various regions to address specialized healthcare needs.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by municipal leaders, Senator Go assured them of his unwavering support. “Bukas ang aking opisina para sa inyong lahat. Tawagin niyo lang ako ‘Kuya Bong’ o ‘Senador Bong Go’, at lagi akong handang tumulong sa abot ng aking makakaya,” he said.
He expressed gratitude for the dedication and hard work of the LMP Bohol Chapter officers and its members. “Huwag ninyong kalilimutan na ang inyong mga desisyon ay may direktang epekto sa kinabukasan ng inyong mga kababayan. Magsama-sama tayo para sa isang mas maunlad at mas progresibong Bohol,” he encouraged.
As a gesture of gratitude, Senator Go distributed tokens to the attending mayors. He also reminded them of the importance of unity and good governance. “Kayo po ang unang takbuhan ng ating mga kababayan. Gawin natin ang lahat ng ating makakaya para masigurong wala tayong maiiwanan sa ating mga nasasakupan,” he concluded.
The assembly ended on a high note, with participants expressing appreciation for Senator Go’s continued support and commitment to advancing the welfare of local governments.
After the event, Go also interacted with Parañaque City officials during their Christmas Party also held at the same hotel.
Earlier that day, Go encountered an unexpected challenge when he was forced to make an emergency landing in Pililia, Rizal, due to worsening weather conditions. Temporarily stranded in a remote mountainous area, the senator remained resolute in his commitment to public service, declaring, “Mamamatay ako habang nagseserbisyo kung kinakailangan, dahil ito ang tungkulin ko bilang lingkod-bayan.”
Despite the setback, Senator Go continued his engagements for the day, further exemplifying his dedication to serving the Filipino people.
