Senator Bong Go was honored with the Dangal ng Bayan award at the Gawad Pilipino 2023: Duyan ka ng Magiting ceremony, which was held at the Tejeros Hall in the Armed Forces of the Philippines Commissioned Officers Clubhouse, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Wednesday, 27 December.

The Gawad Pilipino is an award-giving body that honors Filipino individuals for their exceptional work and passion. It recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the enrichment of local culture, traditions, and society in the country.

Through a representative, the senator expressed his gratitude for the award and support he has received since assuming office.

The senator also took the opportunity to outline his legislative agenda, which focuses on good governance and uplifting the lives of underprivileged Filipinos. His plans aim to address the core challenges faced by the country's most vulnerable populations, striving for inclusive growth, and equitable opportunities for all.

"Rest assured po na uunahin ko po 'yung makatutulong sa mga mahihirap, pro-poor programs ang mga uunahin ko po. Ang makatutulong sa mga mahihirap, dapat po'y walang magutom," Go highlighted.

"Magtulungan tayo na walang magutom na Pilipino, magtulungan tayo na ilapit po natin 'yung serbisyo medikal sa mga kababayan. 'Yung serbisyo ng gobyerno ilapit natin sa kanila," he said.

Senator Go advocates for enhanced government support to strengthen micro, small, and medium enterprises, helping them flourish. He is one of the authors and co-sponsors of Republic Act 11960, known as the One Town, One Product Philippines Act.

Go emphasized the role of the OTOP program in generating employment, spurring economic growth in local communities, and fostering self-reliance among Filipinos through entrepreneurship. He pointed out that the Act is important in revitalizing local economies and providing sustainable livelihoods by promoting and investing in locally produced goods, benefiting numerous individuals and families nationwide.

To enhance the support for workers, Go co-authored SBN 2002, also referred to as the Across-the-Board Wage Increase Act of 2023. The purpose of this proposed bill is to enact a daily wage hike of P150 for employees in the private sector.

Still in line with his advocacy to provide more opportunities for the poor, Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, highlighted the need for government aid for underprivileged farmers.

Go was one of the authors of Republic Act 11901, or the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development Financing Enhancement Act of 2022, which enhanced the financial structure supporting agriculture, fisheries, and rural development. This law is designed to offer improved access to credit for rural communities, particularly benefiting farmers, fisherfolk, and agri-based workers. The goal is to elevate their well-being, competitiveness, and productivity.

The senator also filed SBN 2117, designed to ensure complete crop insurance for agrarian reform beneficiaries. Additionally, he filed SBN 2118, which seeks to enhance insurance coverage and services for farmers, aiming to lessen the effects of natural disasters on agriculture, should these bills be passed into law.

Go also elaborated on the accomplishments and plans for Malasakit Centers, the establishment of more Super Health Centers, and the newly enacted Regional Specialty Centers Act.

Malasakit Centers, which he championed since 2018, are one-stop shops for convenient access to medical assistance programs. 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 159 Malasakit Centers across the country have served around 10 million patients according to DOH. Malasakit Centers are aimed at supporting impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount.

Go also highlighted the role of Super Health Centers, which serve as medium-sized polyclinics, especially beneficial for localities still lacking healthcare facilities. Super Health Centers are designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early detection, further strengthening the healthcare sector in the country, especially in grassroots communities.

Finally, Go also principally sponsored and is one of the authors of RA 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which was signed into law on 24 August. The law mandates the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. It stands as a testament to the commitment of the government to uplift the nation's health infrastructure.

According to Go, these specialty centers in regional hospitals will focus on specialized treatments for conditions like heart, kidney, lung, brain, spine, and orthopedic issues, as well as mental health among other specializations.

"Asahan n'yo, bilang inyong senador, ipaglalaban ko palagi ang kapakanan ng mahihirap nating kababayan," he concluded.

Go concluded his remarks by extending warm holiday greetings to everyone. "As we celebrate the spirit of Christmas and welcome the New Year, let us all remember the true essence of public service and the role we can play in making our country a better place for everyone. Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthier New Year to all," he said.