HEALTH reforms crusader Senator Christopher “Bong” Go praised the signing of three new laws aimed at bolstering healthcare services in key regions of the country. These measures, which he principally sponsored as Chairperson of the Senate Health Committee, are expected to address the growing demand for accessible and quality medical care in various areas.
“Ang kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino ay napakahalaga. Kaya’t patuloy tayo na nagsusulong ng mga batas na magbibigay ng mas maayos na serbisyong medikal para sa ating mga kababayan, lalo na sa mga nangangailangan sa kanilang mga komunidad. Huwag na nating pahirapan ang mga naghihirap na,” said Senator Go.
Among the newly signed laws is Republic Act (RA) No. 12112, which establishes the Northern Tagalog Regional Hospital, a Level II facility, in the Municipality of Rodriguez (Montalban), Rizal. The law aims to cater to the medical needs of the rapidly growing population in the province.
Meanwhile, RA No. 12113 officially creates the Sen. Edgardo J. Angara General Hospital, also a Level II facility, in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija. The hospital is expected to provide advanced healthcare services to residents in the area.
Lastly, RA No. 11217 renames the Mindanao Central Sanitarium in Pasobolong, Zamboanga City, to the Zamboanga Regional Medical Center. This aims to align the hospital’s identity with its expanded functions and services as a key regional medical facility.
“Sa pamamagitan ng mga bagong batas na ito, mas maraming Pilipino ang magkakaroon ng mas maayos na access sa serbisyong medikal. Napakahalaga na mapalapit sa tao ang serbisyo ng gobyerno, lalo na pagdating sa kalusugan dahil katumbas ito ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” Senator Go emphasized.
The senator underscored the importance of enhancing healthcare infrastructure to ensure that Filipinos no longer need to travel far for quality medical care. He also stressed that these initiatives align with his broader advocacy of improving health facilities across the country.
“Naniniwala ako na ang isang malusog na mamamayan ay susi sa pag-unlad ng bansa. Kaya’t patuloy nating susuportahan ang ganitong mga programa na tunay na nakakatulong sa ating mga kababayan,” he added.
As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Senator Go has consistently pushed for the establishment and improvement of hospitals and healthcare facilities nationwide. He reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for measures that address the medical needs of Filipinos, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
“Ang hangarin ko ay siguraduhing walang Pilipino ang mapag-iiwanan pagdating sa serbisyong medikal. Sama-sama nating itaguyod ang mas maayos, mas abot-kayang healthcare system para sa lahat,” said the senator.
So far, Senator Go has authored 16 laws, principally sponsored 82 laws including 80 measures for the establishment or upgrade of public hospitals, and co-authored or co-sponsored 185 other laws.