Local, int’l cooperation to propel Phl dev’t: Go

As the Philippines confronts many challenges like the rest of the world, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has called for strengthened global cooperation to push forward the country's development.

"Against this backdrop, it is imperative that we strengthen our ties with other countries to identify areas in which we could work together towards the fulfillment of our respective national goals," Go said Wednesday.

Go and seven other Senate colleagues traveled to France for a three-day parliamentary visit.

Led by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, the 24-26 October visit was in celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and France aimed to facilitate exchanges between the two countries' legislatures.

Other senators composing the Philippine delegation include Senators Joel Villanueva, Joseph Victor Ejercito, Manuel Lapid, Maria Lourdes Binay and Grace Poe.

"I am optimistic that the visit would pave the way for a more profound relationship between the Philippines and France, especially as it had opened up new opportunities for collaboration between the two nations in areas such as sustainable energy, climate change, economic growth, and food security," he said.

As head of the Senate Committee on Health, Go also thanked the French and Spanish governments for their Covid-19 vaccine donations to the Philippines at the height of the pandemic.

"The donations went a long way toward ensuring the success of our vaccination program and the safety of our citizens against the threat of the virus," he added.

Meanwhile, Go also extended his condolences to those who lost their loved ones as a result of the devastation caused by severe tropical storm "Paeng."

As the Philippines is considered to be one of the most susceptible to the consequences of climate change, he said it would greatly benefit from more collaboration in addressing climate change.

Go's team distributed immediate assistance to "Paeng" victims in Bacoor and Cavite cities, and the towns of Kawit, Noveleta, and Rosario in Cavite province on 1 November.

"Rest assured that we will do our part, to the best of our abilities, to provide support and help affected communities recover," he said, assuring that he will continue assisting affected communities, particularly in the relief, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts.

Some 1,500 residents benefited from Go's food packs and relief goods coursed through the LGUs.

He then reminded the beneficiaries to look after their health and encouraged them to avail of the services of any of the two Malasakit Centers in the province if they need assistance with their hospital expenses.

"Let us just work together. We can buy material things and earn money, but the money we earn cannot buy life. That's why I always remind those who are flooded and victims of other disasters, the important thing is that we are alive," Go said.

The Malasakit Centers in the province of Cavite are located at Southern Tagalog Regional Hospital in Bacoor City and General Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Hospital in Trece Martires City. To date, there are 152 Malasakit Centers nationwide.

Go primarily authored and sponsored the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.

An adopted son of the CALABARZON region, Go also supported the construction of Super Health Centers in Bacoor City, Carmona, Dasmariñas City, General Trias City, Kawit, Magallanes, Tanza and Imus City.