Daily Tribune
Photo courtesy of Bong Go
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Monday visited this city to distribute aid to families recovering from Typhoons Nica and Pepito, while renewing his push for a stronger disaster response system and accessible healthcare.
Go stressed the importance of readiness and compassion in public service, vowing to continue helping disaster-stricken communities no matter the distance.
“Wherever you are in the Philippines, hit by typhoons, earthquakes, volcanoes, I will be there. I’ve reached Batanes after an earthquake, Aparri during a flood. I promised not to sit idly in the office while Filipinos are in need,” he said.
Go cited Republic Act No. 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which he authored and co-sponsored. The law mandates the creation of disaster-resilient evacuation centers across the country. He also pushed anew for his Senate Bill No. 173, which seeks to create a Department of Disaster Resilience, and for the Rental Housing Subsidy bill for displaced families and informal settlers.
During the event, Go and his Malasakit Team distributed food packs, meals, shirts, vitamins, basketballs, and volleyballs to 617 families. Some received bicycles and shoes. The government, through the Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP), also provided shelter support to eligible residents.
“They will receive assistance to buy materials like galvanized iron sheets, nails, and other basic needs to rebuild their homes,” Go explained.
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go also highlighted his legislative track record, including 19 laws he authored and 94 he principally sponsored — 92 of which are on public hospitals. “I’ve had zero absences in the Senate in six years,” he noted.
Go pointed to 167 Malasakit Centers now operating nationwide, including two in Isabela—at Governor Faustino N. Dy Sr. Memorial Hospital in Ilagan and Southern Isabela Medical Center in Santiago City.
Malasakit Centers are one-stop shops that streamline financial assistance for poor patients. Go is principal author of Republic Act No. 11463, institutionalizing the program.
He also emphasized ongoing efforts to build Super Health Centers, which offer basic medical services, diagnostics, and early disease detection at the community level. Isabela has 19 Super Health Centers funded under the initiative.
Go said more Regional Specialty Centers are being built within DOH regional hospitals to decentralize access to specialized care. These include heart centers, kidney treatment units, neonatal facilities, and geriatric services. The expansion is backed by RA 11959, which Go also principally sponsored.
“You won’t need to travel far for specialized care anymore,” he said.
Go thanked local leaders present, including Vice Gov. Kiko Dy, Rep. Joseph Tan, Santiago Mayor Sheena Tan, Echague Mayor Faustino “Inno” Dy V, Councilors Orlando Chan and Gino Siquian, Liga ng mga Barangay President Benzi Chan, and 37 barangay captains.
“Thank you for your help, especially for those affected by the typhoon,” Go told them.
As he closed, Go affirmed his commitment to sincere public service:
“I’m just a simple probinsyano who was given the chance to serve as senator. I’ll continue to serve because helping others has become my mission. I believe that service to people is service to God.”
Later in the day, Go also visited the Super Health Center and Malasakit Center in Tabuk, Kalinga, the latter located at the Kalinga Provincial Hospital.
