The whole world was not prepared when the COVID-19 pandemic hit just a few years ago. At the height of the public health emergency, our medical professionals took on the role of modern heroes who risked their lives to save others. They endured sleepless nights, longing for their families, and fought the battle against the killer virus. Sadly to this day, many have not yet received the financial incentives that we fought for and legislated.

As one of the authors and co-sponsors of Republic Act No. 11712, also known as the Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances for Health Care Workers Act, we once again call on the Department of Budget and Management and the Department of Health to settle once and for all the long-overdue Health Emergency Allowance or HEA of our healthcare workers.

As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, we tackled HEA in the 14 committee hearings that we presided over in the previous Congress. We are grateful to DBM and DOH for paying off HEA amounting to PhP27 billion as a result of persistent appeals from the healthcare community. To date, there are still HEA appeals amounting to PhP6.7 billion. We will continue to urge relevant agencies to prioritize these arrears for services already rendered. Our healthcare workers sacrificed so much during the pandemic; expediting payment of their HEA is the least we can do to thank them.

On 20 August, we will hold our first Senate Committee on Health public hearing in the 20th Congress. We are hoping the DBM and the DOH will be able to give a favorable update on the HEA. Rest assured that your Senator Kuya Bong Go will continue to stand with our healthcare professionals who choose service over self and put their fellow Filipinos first.

Meanwhile, on 6 August, we personally aided 2,005 Filipinos from various sectors, including graduates and day-care parents. In coordination with the local government of Navotas City, led by Mayor John Rey, we also gave financial aid to the beneficiaries. After which, we attended the Executive-Legislative Agenda (2026 to 2028) Cum Annual Investment Program for Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro officials with Mayor Mike Malaluan, and the Training Workshop on the Formulation of the Public Service Continuity Plan for Llorente, Eastern Samar officials, both in Manila.

In Capiz, we attended the inauguration of the Super Health Center in Sigma and Panit-an on 7 August, where we were given a plaque of appreciation. As an adopted son of the province, we then joined the farmers' celebration during Farmers Day.

On 8 August, we were in Makilala, Cotabato to join the inauguration and blessing of Kaakibat Hall and Talk to the Troops of 39th Infantry (Smasch’em) Battalion 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, Philippine Army. As always, we expressed our full support for our men and women in uniform.

We were in Lingig, Surigao del Sur, on 9 August to visit the Super Health Center in the municipality. We also joined the 104th Araw ng Lingig Surigao del Sur with the invitation of Mayor Elmer Evangelio. In Veruela, Agusan del Sur, we personally attended the turnover and program proper of the Super Health Center with Mayor Salimar Mondejar.

During our visits to the Super Health Centers in Capiz, Surigao del Sur, and Agusan del Sur, we also provided food packs to the barangay health workers as a way of thanking them for their continued sacrifices for their to their respective communities.

Meanwhile, the Malasakit Team also immediately assisted at the grassroots level as they aided various typhoon victims the previous week. In Laguna, 400 in Siniloan with Mayor Patrick Go and former Vice Mayor Carla Valderrama, 100 in Lumban with Barangay Captain Raydan Llamoso, and 50 in Pagsanjan were aided. In Taytay, 250 were assisted by former Vice Mayor Pia Cabral, and 1,571 in Cebu City.

A total of 250 in San Juan and 350 in Bauang, La Union were also assisted with Congresswoman Mila Magsaysay, former San Juan Vice Mayor Mannix Ortega, Butch Dumpit, and Bauang Mayor Manang Bong Lee and husband Municipal Administrator Ronald Lee; 200 in Hagonoy with Mayor Rosario Sy-Alvarado Mendoza and 50 in Malolos City with MJ Balaguer of Malolos Muslim Consultative Council; 50 in Caloocan City with Christian Handicapped Association of Massagist Inc.; and 500 in Masantol, Pampanga with Mayor Dan Guintu.

We also provided immediate aid to 34 fire victims in Brgy. Lahug, Cebu City, in coordination with Brgy. Capt. Hazel Ann Empleo.

The Malasakit Team also attended the 6th Anniversary of the Signing of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Charter of 2019 in Crowne Plaza Ortigas Center with Chairperson Usec. Alexander Raquepo.

As your Mr. Malasakit, I will push for laws and programs that will bring government services closer to Filipinos. Bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos.