Bong Go extends holiday wishes of good health, compassion to Filipinos

In a heartfelt message this festive season, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has extended his warmest wishes to Filipinos who are both in the country and abroad.

As the nation continues to navigate the challenges posed by global issues and concerns, Go emphasized the importance of maintaining good health and compassion for one another.

"Sa panahon ng Kapaskuhan at Bagong Taon, mahalaga ang kalusugan at pagmamalasakit sa isa't isa. Ito ang regalo na dapat nating pahalagahan," said Go.

Adding to his message of health and compassion, Go also emphasized the spirit of community and unity.

"Ang bawat isa sa atin ay bahagi ng isang malaking pamilya – ang pamilyang Pilipino. Sa pagtutulungan at pagkakaisa, malalampasan natin ang anumang hamon," he remarked.

Meanwhile, in an interview on Monday, December 18, Go, known for his work in healthcare and public service, encouraged Filipinos to stay vigilant in safeguarding their health.

Go highlighted the establishment of 159 Malasakit Centers, which have been instrumental in aiding financially disadvantaged Filipinos. These centers provide a refuge for the helpless and hopeless, offering essential healthcare services.

"Masaya po ako na marami pong mga kababayan nating mahirap ang natutulungan. 'Yung mga helpless at hopeless ating kababayan, meron silang matakbuhan," said Go.

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.

The Department of Health (DOH) reports that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to around ten million Filipinos.

He also proudly referenced the recent enactment of Republic Act No. 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which was signed into law on August 24. Go was a principal sponsor and one of the authors of the law. A significant step in bringing specialized medical services closer to Filipinos, especially those in remote areas, the law mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals.

Go said, "Ito naman pong Regional Specialty Centers, prayoridad po ito ni Pangulong (Ferdinand) 'Bongbong' Marcos at ni Senate President (Juan Miguel) 'Migz' Zubiri. Masaya po ako dahil mas madadagdagan yung mga specialty centers sa buong Pilipinas tulad ng heart center, neonatal, ortho, kidney lang, at iba pa."

"Hindi na nila kailangan magbiyahe pa ng Metro Manila para humingi ng tulong sa mga specialty centers. Diyan na po sa mga existing DOH regional hospitals. Para sa akin dahil 'yan po ang aking parating minimithi, pinapangarap na mailapit pa natin 'yung serbisyo medikal sa ating mga kababayan," he added.

The senator also spoke about the introduction of Super Health Centers, which are designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early detection, further strengthening the healthcare sector in the country, especially in grassroots communities.

"Ang kinaganda po ng Super Health Center, dahil d'yan na po 'yung primary care ng Universal Health Care (Law). Diyan na po 'yung Konsulta package po ng PhilHealth. So, mas madi-decongest po 'yung mga hospitals… Masaya po ako for 2023 dahil marami tayong nagawang mga pinapangarap nating batas at makatulong tayo sa mga kababayan nating mahirap," he said.

Go, who chairs the Committee on Sports, also underscored the connection between health and sports. He advocated for sports as a means to combat illegal drug use, emphasizing the role of physical fitness in maintaining health and prolonging life. The senator's message linked good health with a better quality of life for every Filipino.

"Konektado po parati ang health and sports. At isa po sa paraan na labanan po ang iligal na droga through sports. Get into sports and stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit. 'Pag tayo po ay fit, healthy tayo. Pag healthy tayo, haba po ang ating buhay," reminded Go.

"Ang kalusugan ng bawat tao ay katumbas po iyan ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino," added the senator.

Looking ahead to 2024, Go expressed his wish for the health and prosperity of all Filipinos. He emphasized the importance of continuous recovery from the previous pandemic and the creation of more opportunities, particularly for the impoverished.

He pledged to work tirelessly for the welfare of Filipinos, focusing on ensuring food security alongside healthcare.

"Trabaho po at walang magugutom na Pilipino. Aside from health, importante sa akin 'yung mga mahirap nating kababayan na may laman po ang kanilang tiyan. So, patuloy po ako magtatrabaho para sa Pilipino. Asahan niyo po 'yan. 'Yan naman po ang pwede kong ialay sa inyo," said Go.

"Hindi po ako politikong mangangako sa inyo. Pero gagawin ko lang po ang aking trabaho sa abot ng aking makakaya. Ialay ko po ang aking serbisyo sa bawat Pilipino. At sa abot ng aking makakaya, magtatrabaho po ako para sa inyo lahat," added Go.

Meanwhile, Go reminded Filipinos to extend a helping hand to those in need.

"Ang tunay na diwa ng Pasko ay hindi lamang sa mga regalong materyal na ating natatanggap, kundi nasa pagtulong at pag-aaruga sa ating kapwa, lalo na sa mga nangangailangan. Sa pagbibigay ng ating oras, pagmamahal, at suporta, tunay nating maipapadama ang diwa ng Pasko at Bagong Taon," Go elaborated.

Finally, in preparation for the New Year, Go also highlighted the importance of looking forward with optimism.

"Harapin natin ang Bagong Taon na may pag-asa at pagkakaisa, bitbit ang aral at lakas na ating natutunan sa nakaraang taon," reminded Go.

"Sa pagsisimula ng bagong kabanatang ito, magkaisa tayo sa pagtataguyod ng mas magandang kinabukasan para sa bawat Pilipino, isang kinabukasan na puno ng oportunidad, kalusugan, at patuloy na pag-unlad para sa ating bansa," he concluded.