Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Tuesday, 2 December, paid tribute to medical technologists during the 61st Annual Convention of the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists, Inc. (PAMET) held at The Manila Hotel in Ermita, Manila.

“Malaki talaga ang respeto ko sa trabaho ninyo. Habang nasa harap ang mga opisyal, kayo naman ang nasa likod ng mga makina, dugo, at lahat ng test results na ginagamit para magdesisyon kung paano ililigtas ang buhay ng pasyente,” Go said.

With the theme “The Green Healthcare Revolution: Filipino Medical Technologists for a Sustainable World,” Go underscored the role of medical technologists as among the health sector’s unsung heroes whose work deserves greater recognition.

“I have met health workers across the country, those in small hospitals, those working with limited tools, and those who quietly endure the demands of their shifts. And I always hear a common message from medical technologists: they want safer workplaces, updated equipment, and a system that truly supports their growth. I hear that clearly, and I want you to know that your concerns shape my work in the Senate,” he said.

“Dapat laging may malasakit, pagmamahal, at serbisyo sa lipunan at sa kapwa. Kaya habang nakikinig ako sa mga hinaing ng iba’t ibang health professionals, hindi ko maiwasang isipin kung paano pa natin mas mapapalakas ang sektor,” he added.

Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, highlighted several legislative measures he has championed. These include his authorship and co-sponsorship of Republic Act 11712, or the Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances for Health Care Workers Act. As committee vice chair, he presided over hearings urging the Department of Health and the Department of Budget and Management to fast-track the release of pending Health Emergency Allowances for pandemic frontline workers.

“Dapat lang po na itaas natin ang antas ng pagkilala sa inyo dahil buhay at kaligtasan ng pasyente ang nakataya sa bawat pagsusuri at resulta na inyong inilalabas… Basta nakapag-duty ka sa hospital o COVID laboratory, dapat kang makatanggap ng mga incentives at allowances. Kaya pinaaalalahanan din natin ang DOH at DBM na bilisan na ang pamamahagi ng healthcare allowances,” Go stated.

He also cited Republic Act 11466 or the Salary Standardization Law 5, which increased the salaries of government personnel including those in public health facilities.

“Para naman sa mga nasa gobyerno at public health facilities, iniakda rin natin ang Republic Act 11466 o Salary Standardization 5 na nagtaas ng sweldo ng mga government employees,” he said.

Go likewise pushed for Senate Bill 172, or the proposed New Medical Technology Law, which seeks to update the 1969 Medical Technology Act by improving entry-level compensation and establishing a Professional Regulatory Board of Medical Technology.

“Sa ilalim ng panukalang ito, itinataguyod natin ang mas mataas na sahod para sa entry-level at pagkakaroon ng sariling Professional Regulatory Board na tututok sa standards, ethics, at integridad ng propesyon,” he explained.

He also filed Senate Bill 1352, which aims to ensure humane working conditions for private healthcare workers.

Go shared that his daughter graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Medical Technology from the University of Santo Tomas and is now a registered medical technologist.

He then urged PAMET officers and members, led by National President Luella Vertucio, to continue voicing recommendations and working with government to strengthen the healthcare system.