Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reaffirmed his support for community-driven healthcare initiatives through a video message delivered during the Project Join our Journey (JOY) Medical, Surgical, Optical, and Dental Mission held in Jimenez, Misamis Occidental from July 4 to 6.
Speaking in a video message as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Go underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing health disparities, especially in underserved communities.
“I commend your continued dedication to bringing essential healthcare services closer to our fellow Filipinos—especially those who need them the most,” Go stated in his message.
“Your mission embodies true compassion and malasakit, values that we should all strive to uphold in public and private service alike.”
“As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, I fully support initiatives like this that promote accessible and holistic medical care. Every act of kindness, every consultation and treatment offered, and every life touched by your efforts is a step towards building a healthier and more compassionate nation,” he remarked.
In his message, Go emphasized how localized and private sector initiated efforts like Project JOY play a significant role in the country’s collective push toward universal healthcare access.
The mission, spearheaded by the Project JOY Foundation under the leadership of founder Jenny Ho-Vijungco, brought together volunteers and medical professionals to deliver a wide range of services including surgical operations, dental care, optical treatment, and general consultations to residents in need. It is a philanthropic endeavor inspired by her late father, Dr. Jesus Ho which focuses on healthcare and community development.
The initiative was also supported by a donation of medicines facilitated by the government through the support of Senator Go.
The Project JOY medical mission in Jimenez capped its three-day outreach with a community celebration featuring singer and actress Vina Morales, held in appreciation of the volunteer healthcare workers and residents who took part in the activity.
Project JOY, through its ongoing partnerships with local officials and philanthropic allies, aims to replicate the success of its outreach in other communities across the country, amplifying its mission to deliver compassionate and free healthcare to those who need it most.
Go affirmed the value of community service and expressing gratitude to the mission’s organizers and volunteers. “Maraming salamat sa inyong malasakit at serbisyo. Mabuhay kayong lahat!”
As a senator known for his health reforms crusade, Go has consistently supported programs that expand access to medical services across the country.
Go’s advocacy for accessible healthcare is also reflected in his legislative efforts.
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 Republic Act No. 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.
Meanwhile, 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 led by Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, and local government units, adequate funding was allocated for establishing more than 700 Super Health Centers nationwide.
Finally, Go principally sponsored and is one of the authors of RA 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act. The law mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals.
Under Go’s prodding, PhilHealth also pledged to expand its benefits offerings to include dental services, mental health care, outpatient drug coverage, diagnostic tests such as MRIs and CT scans, and medical transportation services. Coverage will also extend to assistive devices like wheelchairs and crutches, chemotherapy for cancer patients, treatment for severe cardiac conditions, and a broad range of rehabilitation services.
Go vowed to monitor these developments closely, reaffirming his commitment to champion a healthcare system that puts ordinary Filipinos first and leaves no one behind.
“For my second term, with all sincerity, I will continue to push for pro-poor programs and laws, especially on health. Health is wealth. We must work together to bring quality medical services closer to our people, particularly the poor and indigent patients. Ang kalusugan ay katumbas ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” said Go in his proclamation speech.