Bong Go reaffirms Mindanao commitment

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reaffirmed his strong ties to Mindanao and his ongoing commitment to public service during the 104th Adlaw ng Lingig and Manluhod Festival held at the municipal grounds of Lingig, Surigao del Sur, on Saturday.

Speaking before local officials, community members, and festival attendees, Go expressed heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming trust and support he has received since his election. He recalled, “You made me number one here in Lingig, number one in Surigao del Sur, and number one in the entire Philippines! I will not waste your trust. Thank you very much for your support.” This statement resonated deeply with the crowd, reflecting his close connection to the people he serves.

Go pledged to serve diligently and honestly, emphasizing, “I will work to the best of my ability. I am not a politician who makes empty promises; I will simply do my job with dedication. What I offer you is hard work, compassion, and more service.” His commitment to genuine service is a hallmark of his political career, earning him the nickname “Mr. Malasakit” for his compassion toward Filipinos in need.

A major focus of Go’s legislative agenda is healthcare. As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, he highlighted three key health initiatives: Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers, and Regional Specialty Centers.

He explained, “I believe health is wealth. Super Health Centers should be established in remote areas like yours where hospitals are far away. These centers will handle minor cases and check-ups, and also serve as consultation hubs for PhilHealth members.” These centers aim to bring affordable and accessible healthcare closer to underserved communities.

Thanks to collaborative efforts between lawmakers, the Department of Health (DoH), and local governments, more than 700 Super Health Centers are being established nationwide, including four in Surigao del Sur. Malasakit Centers, meanwhile, act as one-stop shops to help low-income patients reduce hospital expenses. Since the Malasakit Centers Act was enacted in 2019, 167 centers have opened across the country, aiding more than 17 million Filipinos.

Go also stressed the importance of expanding specialized medical care regionally. He is the principal sponsor of the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of specialty facilities within existing DoH regional hospitals.