Senator Christopher “Bong” Go was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Public Service during the World Icon of Excellence and Leadership Awards held on 21 June, at The Heritage Hotel Manila in Pasay City.

Represented at the ceremony by former government senior official Abdulgani Macatoman, Go extended his gratitude for the recognition and reiterated his firm resolve to continue serving the Filipino people, particularly the poor and marginalized.

“This award is not just a reflection of his journey, but also of the people he has chosen to serve — the ordinary Filipinos whose lives he strives to uplift every single day,” said Macatoman, conveying the senator’s message during the awards night.

Go, who chairs the Senate Committees on Health, on Sports, and on Youth, was recognized for his consistent efforts to bring essential government services closer to the grassroots. The Lifetime Achievement Award reflects his long-standing advocacy to institutionalize compassionate governance through programs that directly respond to the needs of underserved communities.

“As many of you know, Senator Bong Go has long been called Mr. Malasakit — a title he embraces with pride, not because of any personal ambition, but because it represents his lifelong mission: To serve with compassion, sincerity and dedication,” Macatoman said.

A key pillar of Go’s public service is the Malasakit Center program, which streamlines medical assistance in government hospitals. As principal author and sponsor of Republic Act 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, he institutionalized a one-stop shop where indigent patients can avail themselves of medical related aid from the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

In his message, Go reaffirmed his grassroots-driven approach to governance. “From the establishment of Malasakit Centers, to championing Super Health Centers, to pushing for programs that keep our youth away from drugs through sports — his vision has always been clear: Public service must be felt on the ground.”