IN a significant recognition of his unwavering dedication to public service, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go was named one of the “Ten Outstanding Senators” by the Gawad Pilipino Lingkod Bayan Awards.
During the ceremony at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Tuesday, November 19, Go delivered a heartfelt message of gratitude, underscoring his lifelong commitment to serving the Filipino people, particularly those in need.
“This award is not just an honor for me but a reminder to continue being more hardworking, more dedicated, and to further strengthen my ‘bisyo’ of serving our fellow Filipinos, especially the hopeless and helpless,” Go expressed in his speech.
“Nagpapasalamat po tayo sa ipinagkaloob nilang parangal bilang isa sa mga Outstanding Senator. With or without award, tuluy-tuloy lang po ako sa pagseserbisyo sa aking kapwa Pilipino,” he affirmed.
As the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography and a health reform crusader, Senator Go highlighted his efforts in making healthcare accessible to all Filipinos. He emphasized the success of Malasakit Centers, which aim to streamline access to medical assistance, and his advocacy for Super Health Centers and Regional Specialty Centers to address long-term health challenges across the country.
Beyond healthcare, Senator Go has also been a strong advocate for youth and sports development. As Chairperson of the Senate Committees on Sports and Youth, he reiterated his well-known mantra: “Get into sports, stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit.” He remains committed to empowering young Filipinos through initiatives that nurture their talents and guide them away from vices.
Senator Go also took the opportunity to reflect on the inspiration behind his service. “Ang inspirasyon ko ay kayo—ang bawat Pilipinong patuloy na nagtitiwala sa akin. Kaya’t asahan po ninyo na magpapatuloy ako sa aking sinumpaang tungkulin na maglingkod sa abot ng aking makakaya,” he said.
“Hindi ko man kayang solusyunan ang lahat ng problema sa isang iglap, sisiguraduhin kong ang bawat hakbang na ating gagawin ay magdadala ng positibong pagbabago sa buhay ng ating mga kababayan, ” Go added.
The award serves as a powerful affirmation of Go’s efforts to prioritize the needs of the underprivileged and strengthen public trust in government initiatives.
As he concluded his message, Senator Go, who assisted micro-entrepreneurs in Tondo, Manila earlier that day, called for continued unity among Filipinos in building a brighter and more prosperous nation.
“Maraming salamat po sa inyong pagkilala. This award is not just for me but for every Filipino I serve daily,” he said, promising to remain steadfast in his commitment to public service.
The Gawad Pilipino Lingkod Bayan Awards recognizes exemplary public servants who have made significant contributions to the betterment of Filipino society, and Senator Bong Go’s inclusion in this prestigious list cements his legacy as a dedicated and compassionate leader.
