Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reaffirmed his enduring support for senior citizens and public health services as he joined the ribbon cutting and blessing of the newly constructed National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) Regional Office XII in Barangay Dadiangas, General Santos City on Friday, July 4.
Go, Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance and Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, pushed for the funding of the building to uplift the welfare of senior citizens and ensure access to healthcare for all Filipinos, especially the underprivileged.
“Una sa lahat, kanina pa ako nakakarinig ng mga pasasalamat tungkol sa mga programa natin. Pero ang totoo, ‘wag po kayong magpasalamat sa akin. Ako po ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan n’yo ako ng ikalawang pagkakataon na makapagsilbi sa inyo,” Go began, stressing his gratitude to the people for allowing him to continue serving as senator.
He reported that in his first term as senator, he authored 19 laws and served as principal sponsor of 94, many of which focused on improving health infrastructure and services. “Bukod pa po riyan, co-author at co-sponsor po ako ng 191 na batas. At sa loob ng unang termino ko, ni minsan, hindi po ako nag-absent sa Senado,” he said.
Go also highlighted his support for the NCSC and its mission to respond to the needs of senior citizens. “Ang batas na lumikha ng NCSC ay nilagdaan ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte noong 2019 — para may agad na tutugon sa pangangailangan ng ating mga lolo at lola.”
He then appealed to NCSC officials to prioritize the welfare of seniors: “Kaya po sa mga commissioner, isa lang ang pakiusap lang po: unahin natin ang kapakanan ng ating mga senior citizens. Patuloy po akong susuporta sa inyo.”
He cited his legislative efforts, particularly as co-author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 11982, which amends the Centenarian Act to provide PhP 10,000 cash gifts to Filipinos aged 80, 85, 90, and 95, in addition to the existing PhP 100,000 for centenarians. He also noted his role as co-author of RA 11916, which increases the social pension for indigent senior citizens.
“Hindi na sila dapat naghahanapbuhay sa pagtanda. Dapat inaalagaan po sila. Wala po tayo sa mundong ito kundi po dahil sa kanila. At ito po ‘yung panahon na bumawi tayo sa kanila,” emphasized Go.
“Kilala naman ang Pilipino sa pag-aalaga ng mga lolo’t lola. Hindi natin pinapabayaan ang mga lolo’t lola natin diba? Hanggang sa pagtanda nila, inaalagaan natin sila. Ito po ay isang paraan upang ipakita natin sa kanila ‘yung pasasalamat, pagmamalasakit at pagmamahal natin sa ating mga lolo’t lola,” he said earlier.
As part of his health reforms crusade, Go gave updates on ongoing initiatives. “Bilang Chairman ng Committee on Health, itinulak ko ang Malasakit Centers — ngayon, may 167 na po tayo sa buong Pilipinas.”
Malasakit Centers are one-stop shops aiming to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount. Go is the principal author and sponsor of RA 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program.
As of now, 167 Malasakit Centers are operational across the country, poised to assist with patients’ medical expenses. The Department of Health (DOH) reports that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to more than 17 million Filipinos.
In General Santos City, the Malasakit Center is located at the Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital.
Expanding on his healthcare initiatives, Go mentioned the establishment of over 700 Super Health Centers nationwide. Super Health Centers are designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early disease detection, further strengthening the healthcare sector in the country, especially in grassroots communities.
Through the concerted efforts of Go, fellow lawmakers, the DOH under Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, and LGUs, adequate funding was allocated for establishing more than 700 Super Health Centers nationwide.
He also proudly shared his work on RA 11959 or the Regional Specialty Centers Act. He is the principal sponsor and one of the authors of the said law, which mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals.
“Layunin nito na magtayo ng heart centers, cancer centers, kidney centers sa mga piling ospital ng DOH para hindi na kailangang bumiyahe ng Manila ang mga pasyente,” Go said.
The event, held upon the invitation of NCSC Commissioner Edwin Espejo, brought together several key officials and local leaders. Among those in attendance were Congresswoman Shirlyn Bañas, Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao, and Councilors Michael Pacquiao, Jonathan Blando, Cesar Bañas, Bing Dinopol, and Monching Melliza.
In addition, the senator lauded NCSC Chairperson Dr. Mary Jean Loreche for her exemplary leadership during Cebu’s COVID-19 response, emphasizing the importance of strong and compassionate leadership in times of crisis.
Go extended greetings to the Muslim community present, affirming, “Mahalin natin ang isa’t isa, walang diskriminasyon. Muslim, Kristiyano — lahat tayo Pilipino.”
Ending on a reflective note, Go reminded the audience: “Mga kababayan ko, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na puwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa, gawin na natin ngayon. Dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito.”
“Ako ang inyong Senator Kuya Bong Go, patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at ako po ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo po yan sa Diyos,” he concluded.