SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go demonstrated his dedication to assisting local communities with impactful initiatives as he visited and supported several development projects in Davao City on Thursday, February 29. These projects were funded through Go’s support as vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance.
Go’s day began with a visit to Crystal Meadows Subdivision in Barangay Sasa, Davao City, where he inspected a multipurpose hall project. This was followed by the turnover and blessing of another multipurpose hall in San Jose Village, a project in collaboration with Barangay Captain Jerry Licarte, and also funded through the help of the senator.
Go emphasized the importance of these projects: “These multipurpose halls are testament to our commitment to fostering unity, resilience, and progress in every community. By providing spaces where people can gather, learn, and grow together, we are laying down the foundation for stronger and more vibrant communities.”
The day’s activities also included a turnover of a multipurpose vehicle and a mini dump truck in Crystal Meadows Subdivision, again in collaboration with Barangay Captain Licarte.
“Mobility and logistical support are critical in ensuring that our communities can effectively respond to emergencies and implement development projects,” he said.
Aside from these projects, Go previously helped pursue other projects in Davao City, including the rehabilitation of water systems, drainage systems, and flood control structures in different barangays throughout the city, the construction of a 300-bed capacity infectious diseases building for Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), and the acquisition of ambulances.
A total of 11 Super Health Centers are also funded in the city to bring primary care, consultations, and early detection of health issues closer to communities. Through the collective efforts of the Department of Health, led by Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, local government units, and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds have been allocated under the DOH for the construction of over 700 Super Health Centers nationwide.
During his visits, the senator, who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need, encouraged the residents and their loved ones with health concerns to visit the SPMC, where there is a Malasakit Center if they need medical assistance from the government to cover their hospital expenses.
The Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 aims to provide underprivileged patients convenient access to medical assistance programs. To date, there are now 159 Malasakit Centers that have assisted around ten million Filipinos nationwide.
Moreover, Go is the principal sponsor and one of the authors of RA 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act. The law mandates the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers within existing DOH regional hospitals.
There are specialty centers inside SPMC, which include cardiovascular care, lung care, neonatal care, trauma care, toxicology, cancer care, eye care, and dermatology care. It will also soon provide a renal care and transplant center, brain and spine care, orthopedic center, physical rehabilitation medicine, mental health, burn care, infectious disease and tropical medicine, and geriatric care.
Go also distributed snacks and food packs to some indigent residents. Select beneficiaries received bicycles, shoes, a mobile phone, and a watch.
“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” concluded Go.
