AT the 70th founding anniversary of Aguman Ding Capampangan-Davao, Inc., held at RAM’s Restaurant in Davao City, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go conveyed his heartfelt greetings to the organization’s new officers, board of directors, and members.
The event, celebrated on Saturday, February 10, was a vibrant acknowledgment of the Davao City’s Capampangan community’s long-standing tradition of unity and respect.
The Aguman Ding Capampangan-Davao, Inc. is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Pampanga among Kapampangans living in the Davao region.
In his speech, Go acknowledged the new leaders and board members for the term 2024-2025, underlining the anniversary as a reflection of the Capampangan spirit of togetherness and mutual support, especially for those who have made Davao their home.
He pointed out, “Sa temang ‘Respeto tamu cada metung queca tamu mga Capampangan,’ isinasalamin natin ang diwa ng pagkakaisa at paggalang sa bawat isa, lalo na sa ating mga kabalen na nagpasyang manirahan dito sa Davao City.”
Reflecting on his healthcare advocacy, Go reminisced about his efforts during former president Rodrigo Duterte‘s presidency to establish the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Hospital in Pampanga.
“Bilang inyong lingkod-bayan, naging adbokasiya ko ang pagpapabuti ng kalusugan at kagalingan ng bawat Pilipino. Sa katunayan po, noong panahon ni dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, sinuportahan natin ang pagtatayo ng OFW Hospital doon po mismo sa Pampanga,” he said.
This initiative, made possible by the generous land donation from the provincial government of Pampanga, led to the opening of a six-story, 100-bed facility in May 2022, dedicated to serving OFWs and their dependents.
To sustain and enhance healthcare services for OFWs, Go introduced Senate Bill No. 2297, which aims to institutionalize the OFW Hospital, ensuring its enduring operation through allocated funding, staffing, and equipment.
“It represents a strategic move to fortify healthcare support for OFWs and their families by integrating a Malasakit Center within the hospital premises, thereby streamlining access to government medical assistance,” said Go.
The senator took pride in the continuous operations of Malasakit Centers, a program designed to simplify Filipinos’ access to medical assistance by bringing together services from various government agencies under one roof.
“Maliban po riyan, bilang chairman ng Senate Committee on Health and Demography, nandiyan din ang Malasakit Centers na ating isinulong. Lapitan niyo lang ho ‘yan kung kinakailangan niyo ng tulong sa inyong mga hospital bills,” said Go.
Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. With 159 centers nationwide, this initiative has assisted nearly 10 million Filipinos according to DOH, demonstrating the tangible benefits of streamlined government support.
Beyond the Malasakit Centers, Go, together with the collective efforts of the DOH led by Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, local government units, and fellow lawmakers, allocated funds under the DOH for the construction of 307 Super Health Centers in 2022, 322 in 2023, and 132 in 2024.
He also principally sponsored and is one of the authors of Republic Act No. 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act. The law mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals.
In his speech, Go also expressed his heartfelt gratitude and encouragement to Aguman Ding Capampangan Davao, Inc.’s members. He emphasized the impact of unity amid the country’s diversity to ensure that no Filipino is left behind towards progress.
He then concluded with a call for continued hope, collaboration, and support for the betterment of Filipinos everywhere, envisioning a brighter future fostered by collective effort and compassion for each other.
