Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reaffirmed his enduring support for senior citizens and public health services as he joined the ribbon-cutting and blessing of the newly constructed National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) Regional Office XII in Barangay Dadiangas, General Santos City on Friday, July 4.

Go, Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance and Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, pushed for the funding of the building to uplift the welfare of senior citizens and ensure access to healthcare for all Filipinos, especially the underprivileged.

“First of all, I’ve been hearing many words of thanks for our programs. But the truth is, don’t thank me. I should be the one thanking you for giving me a second chance to serve you,” Go began, stressing his gratitude to the people for allowing him to continue serving as senator.

He reported that in his first term as senator, he authored 19 laws and served as principal sponsor of 94, many of which focused on improving health infrastructure and services. “Aside from those, I co-authored and co-sponsored 191 laws. And in my first term, not once was I absent from the Senate,” he said.

Go also highlighted his support for the NCSC and its mission to respond to the needs of senior citizens. “The law that created the NCSC was signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2019 — so there would be an agency that immediately responds to the needs of our elderly,” he said.

He then appealed to NCSC officials to prioritize the welfare of seniors: “To the commissioners, I have only one request: prioritize the welfare of our senior citizens. I will continue to support you.”

He cited his legislative efforts, particularly as co-author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 11982, which amends the Centenarian Act to provide P10,000 cash gifts to Filipinos aged 80, 85, 90, and 95, in addition to the existing P100,000 for centenarians. He also noted his role as co-author of RA 11916, which increases the social pension for indigent senior citizens.

“They should not have to work in their old age. We should care for them. We would not be here in this world without them. This is the time to give back to them,” Go emphasized.

“Filipinos are known for caring for our grandparents. We never abandon them, right? Even in old age, we look after them. This is one way to show them our gratitude, concern, and love,” he said earlier.

As part of his health reforms crusade, Go gave updates on ongoing initiatives. “As Chairman of the Committee on Health, I pushed for Malasakit Centers — we now have 167 across the Philippines.”

Malasakit Centers are one-stop shops aiming to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount. Go is the principal author and sponsor of RA 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program.

As of now, 167 Malasakit Centers are operational across the country, poised to assist with patients’ medical expenses. The Department of Health (DOH) reports that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to more than 17 million Filipinos.

In General Santos City, the Malasakit Center is located at the Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital.

Expanding on his healthcare initiatives, Go mentioned the establishment of over 700 Super Health Centers nationwide. These centers focus on primary care, consultation, and early disease detection, further strengthening the healthcare system, especially in grassroots communities.

Through the concerted efforts of Go, fellow lawmakers, the DOH under Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, and LGUs, adequate funding was allocated for establishing more than 700 Super Health Centers nationwide.

He also proudly shared his work on RA 11959 or the Regional Specialty Centers Act. He is the principal sponsor and one of the authors of the said law, which mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals.

“The aim is to build heart centers, cancer centers, and kidney centers in selected DOH hospitals so patients no longer have to travel to Manila,” Go said.

The event, held upon the invitation of NCSC Commissioner Edwin Espejo, brought together several key officials and local leaders. Among those in attendance were Congresswoman Shirlyn Bañas, Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao, and Councilors Michael Pacquiao, Jonathan Blando, Cesar Bañas, Bing Dinopol, and Monching Melliza.

In addition, the senator lauded NCSC Chairperson Dr. Mary Jean Loreche for her exemplary leadership during Cebu’s COVID-19 response, emphasizing the importance of strong and compassionate leadership in times of crisis.

Go extended greetings to the Muslim community present, affirming, “Let us love one another, no discrimination. Muslim, Christian — we are all Filipinos.”

Ending on a reflective note, Go reminded the audience: “My fellow countrymen, we only pass through this world once. Whatever kindness or help we can offer to others, let’s do it now. We won’t be coming back to this world.”

“I am your Senator Kuya Bong Go, and I will continue serving all of you because serving has become my habit — and I believe that service to others is service to God,” he concluded.