Bong Go highlights pro-poor initiatives during councilors’ congress

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go personally attended the second day of the Philippine Councilors League – Northern Samar Congress at the Manila Hotel in Manila on Tuesday, 14 November.

"Ang mga (miyembro ng lokal na konseho), halos parehas lang po ang ating trabaho. Kayo po ay mambabatas, kami rin po ay mambabatas na on a national scope lang po. Larger scale po 'yung amin pero parehas lang po tayo ng trabaho, mambabatas or legislator," Go underscored in his speech.

"Hindi natin nililimitahan ang ating trabaho bilang legislator 'di ba? Marami pong lumalapit sa atin, marami pong humingi ng tulong na kababayan nating mahihirap. Isa lang po ang pakiusap ko sa inyo, huwag n'yo pong pabayaan 'yung mga kababayan nating mahihirap, 'yung mga helpless, mga hopeless nating mga kababayan na walang ibang matakbuhan kung di tayo lang po nasa gobyerno," he added.

The congress, which is being held from 13 to 15 November, has brought together Sangguniang Bayan (SB) members, SB secretaries, SB staff, and Vice Mayors from Northern Samar to discuss key issues, share insights, and strategize for the betterment of their respective constituencies.

"Kayo ay nasa isang mahalagang posisyon upang magdulot ng positibong pagbabago sa inyong mga komunidad… Mahalagang tandaan nating lahat na ang mga halal na opisyal, sa national man o local, ay mayroong iisang layunin: ang maglingkod sa taumbayan," he added.

Addressing the assembly, Go took the opportunity to underscore his dedication to uplifting the lives of the less fortunate. He highlighted several key measures and initiatives that he has championed, all aimed at addressing the needs of the impoverished sectors of society.

One of the key points of the senator's speech was the importance of inclusivity in legislative efforts. He emphasized the need for policies that directly benefit the poor, ensuring that the government remains focused on creating opportunities for those who need it the most.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go mentioned that he continues to support the operations of the Malasakit Centers and the establishment of Super Health Centers nationwide.

"Bilang principal author at sponsor ng Republic Act (RA) 11463, o ang Malasakit Centers Act ng 2019, nakita ko mismo ang mga paghihirap ng mga Pilipino sa pagkuha ng tulong medikal mula sa iba't ibang tanggapan ng gobyerno. Ito ang dahilan kaya itinaguyod ko ang Malasakit Center program. Sa Northern Samar po, merong Malasakit Center sa Northern Samar Provincial Hospital sa Catarman. Lapitan niyo lang po ito," cited Go.

There are currently 159 operational Malasakit Centers nationwide. The DOH recently reported that around 10 million patients have been assisted by Malasakit Centers as of October 2023.

"Masakit para sakin na makarinig na 'yung mga mahihirap ayaw nang magpa-checkup dahil takot po sa babayaran sa ospital. Huwag po kayong ganu'n. Tulungan po natin sila, engganyuhin po nating magpa-checkup at magpaospital habang pwede pa natin silang tulungan sa abot ng ating makakaya," he urged.

Meanwhile, the senator has also advocated for more Super Health Centers to bring primary health care, medical consultations, and early disease detection closer to communities in need. For Northern Samar, Super Health Centers were funded in San Roque, Laoang, San Isidro, and Lavezares.

Through the collective efforts of Go, the Department of Health (DOH), local government units (LGUs), and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds have been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed.

Go also authored and co-sponsored RA 11466 or the Salary Standardization Law 5 (SSL 5). The measure mandates an increased salary, broken down into tranches, for all civilian government employees. The senator also expressed his support for another proposed salary increase for government workers, building upon the success of SSL 5.

He has also introduced Senate Bill No. (SBN) 197 or the Magna Carta for Barangays, which aims to acknowledge the vital role played by barangay officials in delivering governmental services.

The senator also filed SBN 427 which mandates the provision of allowances and incentives to barangay health workers, as well as security of tenure and other benefits if passed into law.

Go urged all local officials present to redouble their efforts in serving their constituents, acknowledging the challenges brought about by the health crisis and its economic repercussions.

"Asahan n'yo po, bilang isang miyembro po ng Senado, uunahin ko po 'yung interes ng bawat Pilipino, interes ng ating bayan, kung ano po ang makakatulong sa mga mahihirap. Inuuna ko talaga 'yung mahihirap, 'yung mga helpless, hopeless, 'yung walang matakbuhan kung 'di ang ating gobyerno. Tulungan po natin sila. 'Yun po ang ating unahin, 'yung mga kababayan natin na mahihirap," stressed Go.

"Bilang isang lingkod-bayan din, nauunawaan ko ang mga hamon at oportunidad na kaakibat ng paglilingkod sa ating mga komunidad. Kaya naman, nakatutok din ako sa pagtulong sa mga local government units upang makapagbigay ng mga mahahalagang serbisyo sa inyong mga constituents sa abot ng aking makakaya," he noted.

The senator encouraged the local leaders to be resilient and innovative in finding solutions to the problems facing their communities.

"Asahan n'yo na bukas po ang aking opisina sa inyo. Huwag po kayong mahiya na lumapit sa akin, anytime po kalabitin n'yo lang po ako. 'Wag n'yo akong ituring na ibang tao," he assured.