Kuya Bong wants closer public services

Provincial government units were urged recently by no less than Senator Christopher "Bong" Go to focus on the needs of the Filipino people and provide essential support, particularly during times of crisis.

Go, who personally attended the League of Provinces of the Philippines' Year-End Celebration and Thanksgiving at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City last Friday, also expressed his gratitude for their partnership in advancing initiatives that contribute to the well-being of the Filipino people.

The lawmaker was joined by fellow Senators Francis Tolentino, Sherwin Gatchalian and JV Ejercito.

"To the governors, thank you for your support during the six years of former President Rodrigo Duterte. His administration will not be successful if not for all of you. Thank you very much," said Go in his remarks.

"I also encourage you, let's support our government, it's for the Filipinos. And I'm just asking you, don't neglect our poor countrymen, our helpless, hopeless countrymen who have nowhere to run if we're not in government," he added.

Go also stressed his commitment to enhancing the delivery of healthcare services to Filipinos, particularly those in vulnerable economic situations in the grassroots.

He highlighted initiatives such as the Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers, and Regional Specialty Centers as key components of his efforts to ensure accessible and comprehensive healthcare for all.

Malasakit Centers, pioneered by Go, serve as one-stop shops that streamline the provision of medical assistance programs by concerned agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, to indigent patients.

Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. To date, 159 operational centers have helped more than ten million Filipinos nationwide, according to DoH.