Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reaffirmed his deep connection with Mindanao and his enduring service to the people during the 104th Adlaw ng Lingig and Manluhod Festival celebration at the municipal grounds of Lingig, Surigao del Sur, on Saturday, 9 August.

Speaking before local leaders, community members, and festival attendees, Go expressed gratitude for the trust and support he has received, while also detailing his ongoing legislative priorities in health, sports, and youth empowerment.

Go opened his remarks by acknowledging the overwhelming support that propelled him to the Senate, recalling how the people of Lingig and Surigao del Sur stood by him since his election.

“Ginawa n’yo akong number one dito sa Lingig, ginawa n’yo akong number one sa Surigao del Sur, at ginawa n’yo akong number one sa buong Pilipinas! Kaya hindi ko sasayangin ang inyong tiwala sa akin. Maraming salamat sa inyong tiwala at suporta,” said Go.

“Magseserbisyo po ako sa abot ng aking makakaya. Hindi po ako pulitiko na mangangako, gagawin ko lang ang aking trabaho sa abot ng aking makakaya. Kaya ang maiaalay ko sa inyo ay sipag, malasakit, at more serbisyo,” he added.

In his speech, Go moved to the subject of healthcare — a sector where he has consistently devoted significant legislative effort. As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, he reiterated his focus on three major health initiatives: Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers, and Regional Specialty Centers.

“Naniniwala po ako, health is wealth po. Ang mga Super Health Center ay dapat ilagay sa mga malalayong lugar gaya rito sa inyo na malayo ang ospital, ‘di ba? Kaya dito gagawin ang mga minor cases at check-up. Dito na kayo magpapakonsulta sa PhilHealth (Philippine Health Insurance Corporation) dahil lahat ng Pilipino ay miyembro ng PhilHealth,” he said.

Through the concerted efforts of Go, fellow lawmakers, the Department of Health (DOH) led by Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, and local government units, adequate funding was allocated for establishing more than 700 Super Health Centers nationwide, including four in Surigao del Sur.

Meanwhile, 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 Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program.

In Surigao del Sur, Malasakit Centers are located at the Bislig District Hospital in Bislig City, Lianga District Hospital, and Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center in Tandag City.

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

Expanding on his health agenda, Go emphasized the importance of specialized care in the regions. He principally sponsored and is one of the authors of Republic Act No. 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. He highlighted his role as principal sponsor in pushing for these facilities.

“Tulad sa Davao, may Heart Center na kung saan puwedeng magpa-angiogram at CT scan. Wala nang masayang na oras. Suportado ko rin ang pagtatayo ng mga specialty center sa Zamboanga, Iloilo, Cebu, Cagayan, at iba pa para mailapit natin ang serbisyong medikal sa ating mga kababayan,” he said.

With his health agenda thoroughly addressed, Go turned to his advocacy for sports and youth development. In his capacity as Chairperson of the Senate Committees on Youth and on Sports, he encouraged the youth to take up sports as a means to avoid illegal drugs and stay healthy.

“Bilang Chairman ng Committee on Sports, hinihikayat ko ang kabataan na get into sports, stay away from illegal drugs to keep us healthy and fit! Ayokong masayang ang sinimulan ni former President (Rodrigo) Duterte sa laban kontra kriminalidad at ilegal na droga. Kaya sa pamamagitan ng sports, susuportahan ko ang mga liga para mailayo ang kabataan sa masamang bisyo,” he declared.

At the heart of this advocacy is the National Academy of Sports (NAS), established under RA 11470, which Go authored and co-sponsored. Located in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, NAS offers a unique dual-track system combining quality secondary education with a specialized sports curriculum, allowing young student-athletes to pursue academic excellence while developing their athletic talents.

To expand access to this model, Go filed Senate Bill No. 171, also known as the proposed National Academy of Sports Regional Expansion Act of 2025, which seeks to establish regional NAS campuses nationwide, with a particular focus on the Visayas and Mindanao regions. These campuses will offer full scholarships and uphold the academic and athletic standards of the main campus to ensure the equitable development of sports talent nationwide.

The senator then expressed his gratitude to the public officials who joined him, including Congressman Alexander Pimentel, Surigao del Sur Governor Johnny Pimentel, Board Members Joey Pama and Tonton Cañedo, Mayor Elmer Boyet Evangelio, Vice Mayor Arnold Malaque, municipal councilors, and barangay officials.

Amid the festivities, Go also demonstrated his trademark malasakit in small but meaningful ways. During the celebration, he noticed a child in need of footwear and personally ensured the boy received a new pair of shoes.

The senator concluded his visit by once again expressing his appreciation for the people’s trust and by assuring them of his continued service.

“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” underscored Go, who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.