Senator Christopher “Bong” Go was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Public Service during the World Icon of Excellence and Leadership Awards held on June 21, at The Heritage Hotel Manila in Pasay City.
Represented at the ceremony by former government senior official Abdulgani Macatoman, Senator Go extended his gratitude for the recognition and reiterated his firm resolve to continue serving the Filipino people, particularly the poor and marginalized.
“This award is not just a reflection of his journey, but also of the people he has chosen to serve—the ordinary Filipinos whose lives he strives to uplift every single day,” said Macatoman, conveying the senator’s message during the awards night.
Go, who chairs the Senate Committees on Health, on Sports, and on Youth, was recognized for his consistent efforts to bring essential government services closer to the grassroots. The Lifetime Achievement Award reflects his long-standing advocacy to institutionalize compassionate governance through programs that directly respond to the needs of underserved communities.
“As many of you know, Senator Bong Go has long been called Mr. Malasakit—a title he embraces with pride, not because of any personal ambition, but because it represents his lifelong mission: to serve with compassion, sincerity, and dedication,” said Macatoman.
A key pillar of Go’s public service is the Malasakit Center program, which streamlines medical assistance in government hospitals. As principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, he institutionalized a one-stop shop where indigent patients can avail themselves of medical related aid from the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
In his message, Go reaffirmed his grassroots-driven approach to governance. “From the establishment of Malasakit Centers, to championing Super Health Centers, to pushing for programs that keep our youth away from drugs through sports—his vision has always been clear: public service must be felt on the ground.”
The senator also underscored the importance of youth empowerment through sports as a strategy to prevent crime and drug use. Under his chairmanship in the Senate Committee on Sports, Go has supported numerous initiatives to promote athletics and build sports infrastructure across the country.
He likewise reminded the audience of his personal vow to serve without reservation. “He often says, ‘Bisyo ko ang magserbisyo.’ And truly, it is a commitment that has guided him through the years—a personal vow to put Filipinos first, especially the poor and marginalized.”
According to the event organizers, the Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals who have made “outstanding contributions and significant impact to their respective industry and have demonstrated exceptional commitment to excellence.” The selection cited Go’s “remarkable achievements and dedication” in public service.
In closing, Go assured the public that the award only strengthens his resolve to advance programs that protect the welfare of Filipinos. “This Lifetime Achievement Award is more than a recognition—it is a reminder that there is still much to be done. Rest assured, Senator Bong Go remains steadfast in promoting pro-poor programs, crafting policies that protect the vulnerable, and supporting initiatives that empower every Filipino to live with dignity and hope.”
“This award will serve as an inspiration for Senator Bong Go to continue doing what he does best—serving with heart, humility, and malasakit,” Macatoman concluded on Go’s behalf.