Senator Christopher “Bong” Go was named one of the Ten Outstanding Legislator-Senators in the Philippines at the Gawad Pilipino Awards during the Gawad Balangay Awards held on 15 August at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Commissioned Officers Club House in General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

In a video message played during the ceremony, Go said public service remained his priority regardless of awards or recognition.

“More than any award or recognition, what matters most to me is the opportunity to serve and help our fellow Filipinos,” Go said.

He said his work in the Senate is guided by the belief that public service should make a tangible difference in the lives of ordinary Filipinos.

“Every law we push, every program we support, and every opportunity to provide assistance is done for the welfare of our fellow Filipinos,” he said.

Go said the award would inspire him to work harder, but stressed that his commitment to public service did not depend on receiving honors.

“With or without recognition, we will continue to serve,” he said.

He added that the true measure of public service was not the number of awards received but the assistance delivered to Filipinos, particularly those most in need.

Ipe as representative

Go was represented at the ceremony by his friend and veteran actor Phillip “Ipe” Salvador.

As chairperson of the Senate Committees on Sports and Youth, Go has pursued measures to expand opportunities for young Filipinos and strengthen support for athletes.

He authored and co-sponsored Republic Act (RA) 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac. The academy offers qualified student-athletes specialized secondary education combining academics and intensive sports training.

Go also filed Senate Bill (SB) 171, or the proposed National Academy of Sports Regional Expansion Act of 2025, which seeks to establish regional NAS campuses, particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao.

He also filed SB 407 to amend the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act and provide more inclusive incentives, including for para-athletes.

In healthcare, Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, has pushed measures to improve access to medical assistance.

He principally authored and sponsored RA 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act, which institutionalized one-stop centers where indigent and financially incapacitated patients can access medical and financial assistance from government agencies.

The Department of Health said 167 Malasakit Centers are now operating nationwide and have assisted more than 17 million Filipinos.

For Go, such initiatives reflect his broader commitment to making government services accessible to those who need them most.