SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, in partnership with the Office of Mayor Rogelio Raymund Tongson, personally assisted 500 displaced workers in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on Saturday, March 23.
In his speech, Go emphasized the core values of courage and compassion derived from his mixed regional heritage, advocating for a renewed spirit of public service among Filipino leaders and citizens alike.
“Ako po’y isang Bisaya na Batangueño. Alam n’yo ‘pag pinaghalo iyang Bisaya at tsaka Batangueño na nahaluan pa ng Ilonggo. Ang resulta niyan, tapang at malasakit sa kapwa Pilipino,” Go began.
Expressing gratitude for the trust and support of the people, Go underscored the reciprocal nature of public service.
“Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat sa inyong tiwala at suporta. Huwag kayong magpasalamat sa amin…Kami po ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan n’yo kami ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo sa inyong lahat,” he added.
During the relief activity, Go and his Malasakit Team distributed food packs, snacks, vitamins, masks, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball to a total of 500 displaced workers, while select recipients received pairs of shoes, a bicycle, and a mobile phone.
Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) conducted an orientation to extend livelihood support to qualified recipients as part of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.
“Ngayon, nandirito rin ang atin DOLE. Mayroon pong programang TUPAD ang DOLE na sinuportahan po natin noon pang panahon pa ni (dating) pangulong Duterte hanggang ngayon. So bibigyan po kayo ng pansamantalang trabaho, tulong panghanapbuhay sa ating mga disadvantaged, displaced workers,” he elaborated
This program, designed to offer prompt assistance to workers who have lost their jobs, has played a significant role in mitigating the hardships faced by numerous underprivileged and distressed people throughout the country.
Meanwhile, Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, offered to assist those with health concerns through the Malasakit Centers program which he initiated.
The program, principally authored and sponsored by Go and enacted into law in 2019 through Republic Act No. 11463, streamlines access to medical assistance programs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, aiming to minimize hospital costs for patients as much as possible.
With 161 operational Malasakit Centers, including the one at Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) in Bacolod City, this initiative has been a success, aiding more than ten million Filipinos across the nation, according to the DOH.
“Huwag ho kayong mahihiyang lumapit sa mga Malasakit Centers. Para po ‘yan sa Pilipino. Nalulungkot po ako tuwing may mga nag-aalangan magpatingin sa doktor dahil natatakot sila sa babayaran sa hospital. Pangalagaan niyo po ang inyong kalusugan at ang Malasakit Center ay handang tumulong sa inyo,” he said.
To further improve the health care system and bring primary care, consultations and early disease detection closer to communities, Go also advocated for the establishment of Super Health Centers nationwide including 31 in Negros Occidental with one in Himamaylan that he visited that day.
Through the concerted efforts of Go, fellow lawmakers, the DOH, led by Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, and local government units, adequate funding was allocated for establishing more than 700 Super Health Centers nationwide.
Go also emphasized the importance of RA 11959, known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, for which he is the principal sponsor and one of the authors in the Senate. This Act seeks to create Regional Specialty Centers within existing regional hospitals under the DOH’s authority. In CLMMRH, a total of 11 specialty centers will be developed.
In his speech, the senator also acknowledged local officials for their service to their constituents, including Congressman Emilio Bernardino Yulo, Governor Eugenio Lacson, Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, Mayor Tongson, among others.
As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go pushed for initiatives for the development of the province and enhance public service delivery including the construction of multi-purpose buildings in Himamaylan City.
Other initiatives that Go pushed for in the province include the construction of a revetment, multi-purpose public facilities, and several road maintenance initiatives in Bacolod City; the construction of a multi-purpose building and concreting of a local road in the town of Don Salvador Benedicto; the construction of multi-purpose buildings in Calatrava; road maintenance in Bago City; and construction of a new infectious diseases wing at the Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City.
Go likewise principally sponsored RA 11564 which led to the establishment of the Bacolod City General Hospital. This law was officially signed by former president Duterte in 2021.
Ending his speech, Go expressed his commitment to the Filipino people, detailing his work ethic and dedication to public service, “Basta ako, magseserbisyo ako para sa Pilipino. Hindi po ako politiko na mangangako, gagawin ko lang po ang aking trabaho at tutulong ako sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo sa kapwa ko Pilipino.”
Earlier that day, Go was in Ilog town where he joined the Kisi-Kisi Festival and also provided assistance to more displaced workers. The next day, Go also visited Victorias City and Bacolod City to inspect their respective Super Health Centers and assist more displaced workers before participating in the PBA All Star weekend festivities help in Bacolod City.
