ON Thursday, February 20, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reaffirmed his commitment to Pampanga’s progress, emphasizing healthcare and infrastructure development in the province.
Speaking at the birthday celebration of Pampanga Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda in San Fernando City, he highlighted the crucial role of local leaders in disease prevention and safeguarding the health of their communities.
“Priority dapat ang health, magserbisyo sa constituents dahil ‘yan ang mandato,” said Senator Go, calling on local officials to focus on essential services. He stressed that barangay leaders must set an example for their communities in maintaining cleanliness to prevent illnesses. “Dapat mga barangay leaders lead by example sa cleanliness,” he added.
As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Senator Go reiterated his push for healthcare reforms, particularly in strengthening Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers, and Regional Specialty Centers.
He encouraged the public to utilize the medical and financial assistance available at Malasakit Centers across Pampanga. These centers, located at Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital and Overseas Filipino Workers Hospital in San Fernando City, Jose B. Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center in Angeles City, and Diosdado P. Macapagal Memorial Hospital in Guagua, provide aid to cover medical expenses, especially for indigent patients.
Senator 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.
To date, 167 Malasakit Centers operate nationwide, assisting patients with their medical expenses. The Department of Health (DOH) reports that the program has already helped more than 17 million Filipinos.
Meanwhile, Senator Go reaffirmed his commitment to establishing more Super Health Centers across the country, highlighting their role in reducing hospital congestion and bringing government medical services closer to the grassroots.
“Patuloy po akong tutulong sa pagpaparami ng Super Health Centers sa bansa sa abot po ng aking makakaya,” said Senator Go.
“Sa mga itinayo ng Super Health Centers, nakita namin kung gaano kalaki ang naitutulong nito sa komunidad, lalo na sa rural areas. ‘Yun po ang layunin ng mga Super Health Centers—ang ilapit sa mamamayan ang serbisyong medikal ng gobyerno,” he added.
Through the collective efforts of Senator Go, fellow lawmakers, the DOH led by Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, and local government units, funding was secured for more than 700 Super Health Centers nationwide including 14 in Pampanga.
In addition, Senator Go principally sponsored and is one of the authors of Republic Act No. 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals.
During his visit, Senator Go took the opportunity to thank Pampanga barangay officials and local leaders for their efforts in bringing government services closer to their constituents. He reminded them to always prioritize the welfare of the people, especially amid the current dengue surge.
Beyond healthcare, Senator Go, as Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, has championed various infrastructure projects to bolster Pampanga’s development. His efforts helped in the construction of key facilities such as the Pampanga Provincial Hospital, the Eliseo Trinidad Angeles Bridge, and the Diosdado Macapagal Memorial Provincial Annex Hospital in Clark City.
Numerous municipalities benefited from improved roads, evacuation center enhancements, educational facilities, and public utilities such as artesian wells and street lighting. Multi-purpose buildings were established in Lubao, Minalin, and Masantol, while Angeles City, Floridablanca, and Mabalacat received substantial infrastructure support.
He has also filed Senate Bill No. 2297 to institutionalize the Overseas Filipino Workers Hospital in Pampanga and Senate Bill No. 2414, or the “Overseas Filipino Workers Ward Act,” to ensure that every hospital under the DOH provides dedicated care for migrant workers and their families.
Recently, he filed Senate Bill No. 2990, which seeks to double the bed capacity of the Overseas Filipino Workers Hospital.
“Sa ating mga local leaders, huwag nating kalimutan na laging unahin ang kapakanan ng ating mga nasasakupan. Trabaho natin na tiyakin ang kalinisan at kalusugan ng ating komunidad,” he said.
Expressing gratitude to Pampanga officials, Senator Go assured them of his continued support. “Asahan n’yo po—hindi ko sasayangin ang tiwalang ibinigay n’yo sa akin,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to public service.
During the event, Senator Go was joined by Pampanga Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda, Representative Anna York Bondoc, and former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Ending on a warm note, Senator Go extended his well wishes to Vice Governor Pineda. “Happy birthday po, Nanay Lilia. I wish you long life, good health, and prosperity. At sana aabot pa ng 150 years old para marami ka pang matulungan dito po sa Pampanga,” he said.
He closed his remarks with a message of commitment to the people of Pampanga: “Bukas po ang aking opisina para sa inyong lahat. Mahal ko po kayo. Maraming salamat!”
