Service to the people is service to God

As public servants, we are mandated to find ways to improve the lives of our constituents, provide better services for them, and ensure that these services are accessible to those in need the most. This has been my mission in my own personal way the last few decades I have served in government and will continue to be so in the years to come in whatever capacity I can contribute to the betterment of our country.

As your Senator Kuya Bong Go, I am eternally grateful and blessed for the trust and support that my fellow Filipinos have shown, as reflected on recent surveys like the Social Weather Stations (SWS) senatorial preferences released last 28 January.

We rank third to fourth among the trusted senatorial candidates for the 2025 elections. Rest assured that my focus remains on fulfilling my responsibility and making the most out of the opportunity given to me to be of service to others.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, I continuously push to strengthen our healthcare system. I am the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized Malasakit Centers nationwide.

These one-stop shops bring together concerned agencies to streamline access to medical assistance programs, particularly for indigent patients.

I also pushed for the continued establishment of more Super Health Centers nationwide, designed to decongest hospitals by offering primary healthcare, consultations, and early detection services at the community level.

Additionally, I principally sponsored and is one of the authors of RA 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which brings specialized medical care to all regions by establishing specialty centers in the Department of Health-run regional hospitals.

As the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, I always remind our youth to get into sports and stay away from illegal drugs to keep us healthy and fit.

I authored and co-sponsored RA 11470 which established the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, and continuously pushed for an increased budget for sports programs to significantly improve Filipino athletes' preparation, training, and competitive performance at the grassroots level.

Additionally, as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth, I firmly believe that efforts must continuously be pursued to empower the younger generation, encourage their participation in nation-building, and mold them into productive citizens.

With this, our mission to serve continues. Aside from legislation, I also ensure that I am able to represent various sectors by engaging with them and listening to their concerns while also putting priority on constituency services in our efforts to provide assistance and support to those most in need.

On 27 January, I was at the Philippines Sportswriters Association Awards Night at Manila Hotel where I presented the awards to Carlos Yulo as the Athlete of the Year and Hidilyn Diaz as the PSA Hall of Fame with President Nelson Beltran.

On 28 January, in coordination with the local government of Bacolor, Pampanga, led by Mayor Diman Datu, we aided 1,200 indigents and 200 micro-entrepreneurs.

On 29 January, we were invited to the Chinese New Year Celebration by Team Yorme in Binondo. After which, we were also invited as guest hosts at Wil to Win with my good friend Willie Revillame.

We also went to Davao City on January 30 for the PDP Partylist National Campaign Coordination Meeting at the Grand Men Seng Hotel with our party Chairperson Rodrigo Duterte, party President Robin Padilla, and other PDP members and officers such as my fellow senator Bato Dela Rosa.

On 31 January, we aided 2,000 impoverished residents in coordination with the local government of Lebak and Sen. Ninoy Aquino in Sultan Kudarat in coordination with Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu, Maguindanao del Sur Gov. Bai Mariam Mangudadatu, Lebak Mayor Frederick Celestial and VM Bong Alarcon, and SNA Vice Mayor Rafael Flauta III. We also attended the Mindanao Leaders Forum in Davao City that night.

Yesterday, 1 February, I was invited as Guest of Honor for the 132nd Installation of Elected and Appointed Officers for Masonic Year 2025 to 2026 which was attended by Mason members. After which, I supported the Philippine Volleyball League as Chair of the Senate Sports Committee and attended the La Salle Greenhills Alumni Homecoming as a member of batch 1991.

Moreover, our Malasakit team continuously extended their efforts to reach our kababayans in need as they immediately aided 94 fire victims in Pasay City, 12 in Davao City, and 31 in Tondo, Manila City.

We also gave additional assistance to 11 recovering fire victims in Aleosan, seven in Midsayap, and three in Libungan, all in North Cotabato. With our support, they also received additional aid from the national government to help them procure materials to rebuild their home.

In support of interventions to create more economic opportunities for the poor, there were also a total of 88 micro-entrepreneurs from Baras, Rizal who received livelihood support and assistance through our efforts in coordination with Mayor Wilfredo Robles.

My Malasakit Team also provided help to 79 displaced workers in Calamba City, Laguna with Mayor Ross Rizal, on top of the temporary employment we advocated for them.

We also supported 55 scholars from Benguet State University and 188 from different schools in Metro Manila.

Last week, my Malasakit Team also attended the turn-over of the Super Health Center in San Luis, Agusan del Sur with Mayor Ronaldo Corvera and provided medicines to various barangays in Malinao, Albay with Councilor Carol Ziga. We also joined the 430th Fiesta Celebration of Nuestra Señora de Candelaria in Silang, Cavite with Board Member Paolo Crisostomo.

As your Mr. Malasakit, I will continue my service especially to those most in need. Bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos.