Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed deep gratitude and reaffirmed his support for the improvement of medical services in Batangas during the inauguration of the Batangas Provincial Medical Complex in Tuy, Batangas, on Thursday, June 26. Speaking before a large gathering of local leaders, medical frontliners, and residents, he emphasized that prioritizing health means safeguarding the lives of every Filipino.
Go shared how deeply honored he felt to have the chance to serve again and reminded the crowd that their trust inspired him to work harder for their benefit.
“Kanina kasi maraming lumalapit po na nagpapasalamat sa mga programa. Huwag po kayong magpasalamat sa akin. Ako po ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil ako po’y isang probinsyano lamang na binigyan niyo po ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo rin po sa inyo sa pangalawang pagkakataon,” said Go.
“Maraming, maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. At hinding‑hindi ko sasayangin ‘yang ibinigay niyo pong pagkakataon sa akin. Sipag, pagmamalasakit, at more serbisyo po ang pwede kong ialay sa inyo,” he added.
He spoke with pride about his heritage and roots being part of the Tesoro clan in Batangas. As an adopted son of CALABARZON, he expressed that Batangas is part of who he is.
“‘Wag niyo po akong ituring na iba sa inyo. Totoo po ‘yon, dugong Batangueño rin po ito. Tesoro po ang aking lolo at lola, dito talaga sila ipinanganak sa Tanauan. Nag-migrate lang po sila sa Mindanao,” he shared.
“Gano’n naman talaga noon eh, maraming nagma-migrate from Luzon pumupunta ng Mindanao. Kasi ‘yon nga ang sinasabi, it used to be known as ‘The Land of Promise.’ Marami pong lumilipat sa Mindanao,” he added.
With this deep personal connection, he then honored the medical frontliners, recalling their heroism and sacrifice during the pandemic and reaffirming his commitment to support their efforts.
Throughout the inauguration, Go reaffirmed his role as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and laid out his long‑term vision for expanding medical services across the region. He spoke about the establishment of more regional hospitals and the strengthening of Regional Specialty Centers across the country.
Recalling that he had attended the groundbreaking of the Batangas Provincial Medical Complex two years ago, Go expressed satisfaction that it is now completed and ready for service. He noted that, as stated by the regional director, the area still lacks medical facilities, with only one Level III hospital serving a very large population. “Dapat nga po may mga regional hospital tayo rito,” he emphasized.
Go announced that in the next six years, he also intends to file a measure for a regional hospital in Region IV‑B, pointing out that areas like Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, and Romblon still only have provincial hospitals. “Eh pumupunta pa sila ng Batangas ‘di ba tuwing nagpapa-ospital. Panahon na po na magkaroon na rin po sila ng sariling regional hospital,” he explained.
A staunch advocate for health reforms, 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. These one‑stop shops support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount.
As of now, 167 Malasakit Centers are operational across the country, providing medical aid to more than 17 million Filipinos, as reported by the Department of Health (DOH). In Batangas, Malasakit Centers operate at the Batangas Medical Center in Batangas City and the Batangas Provincial Hospital in Lemery.
“Sa mga pasyente, lapitan niyo lang ang Malasakit Center dahil para ‘to sa inyo. Kung may hospital bill kayo, nandiyan ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno na tutulong para mabayaran ito,” said Go.
He also reiterated his commitment to supporting the establishment of more Super Health Centers across the country, highlighting their role in reducing congestion in hospitals and making medical services more accessible to communities.
Through the combined efforts of Go, fellow lawmakers, the DOH led by Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, and local government units, adequate funding has been allocated for the establishment of more than 700 Super Health Centers nationwide, including 29 in the province of Batangas.
Go reaffirmed his role as the principal sponsor and one of the authors of Republic Act No. 11959, the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers within existing DOH regional hospitals.
Meanwhile, he acknowledged the strong leadership of Governor Hermilando “Dodo” Mandanas, expressing admiration for the veteran local official. He also gave special mention to Vice Governor Jose Antonio Leviste II, Board Member Armie Marie C. Bausas and incoming Board Member Anna Rosales of the first district, and Board Member Arlina Magboo of the second district, among other officials present.
Mandanas spoke passionately about the collective effort that brought the Batangas Provincial Medical Complex in Tuy to life, making it clear that one figure stood out in this endeavor — Go. He expressed deep gratitude for the senator, referring to him as a true son of Batangas.
“Hindi ‘yan guest of honor, ‘yan ang taga‑rito. Hindi ‘yan guest, katulong natin ‘yan sa ating ginagawa para sa ating mga kababayan. Tunay na may malasakit,” the governor said.
Meanwhile, Leviste also lauded the role of Go in making the medical complex a reality. “Sa bagong Senado, tila iisa lang po ang magiging Batangueño Senator sa Senado ng Republika ng Pilipinas. At ‘yan ay walang iba kung hindi ang ating panauhing pandangal at kasama natin sa araw na ito, Batangueño Senator Bong Go,” said Leviste.
Go also extended deep thanks to the mayors of Batangas, representatives from the Regional Health Office, the Provincial Health Officers, the Local Health Board, the Provincial Department Heads, the Heads of Local Hospitals, the Municipal Health Officers, the Barangay Health Workers, and the Barangay Nutrition Scholars.
To honor their hard work and sacrifice, Go and his Malasakit Team gave tokens of support and appreciation to those working in the hospital and the wider community. For 150 hospital staff and 80 barangay health workers, they distributed grocery packs and shirts.
“Para sa akin, health is wealth. At ang katumbas ng kalusugan ay buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” concluded Go.
On the same day, Go also attended the inauguration of the Super Health Center in Bacoor City, Cavite. The event coincided with the city’s 13th founding anniversary.