Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Public Works, emphasized the urgent need to prioritize rural development and the welfare of Filipino farmers, recognizing their crucial role in securing the nation’s food supply.
Speaking via video call during a forum on Friday, 25 April, with farmer leaders and agrarian reform beneficiaries in Iloilo City, Senator Go stressed that government must treat agriculture workers with dignity and recognize their labor as foundational to national stability and food security.
"Do not thank me. I should be the one thanking you because you gave me the opportunity to serve you," Go said.
Drawing from his legislative efforts, Go highlighted his continuing advocacy to improve rural infrastructure, particularly through the construction of more farm-to-market roads.
"As a member of the Public Works Committee in the Senate, we should push for farm-to-market roads that reach the remotest areas. We must prioritize rural areas that have no access to roads," he explained.
"I will continue to push for farm-to-market roads to help remote areas have better access to agriculture. You can count on that," he added.
He also called for more direct support for farmers, acknowledging the daily hardships they face.
"Our farmers must be supported by the government. Farmers must be helped with aid because you are the ones who work rain or shine, living hand to mouth," Go said.
"You can count on me, Senator Kuya Bong Go, to support you to the best of my ability. We will also push for laws that will help your sector," he added.
Building on his commitment, Go cited his legislative work such as co-authoring Republic Act No. 11901, or the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development Financing Enhancement Act of 2022, which strengthens financial support systems for agriculture.
He also co-sponsored and co-authored RA 11953, the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, which condones loans and accrued interest of agrarian reform beneficiaries — giving thousands of farmers a renewed path toward financial independence.
Go continues to push legislation such as Senate Bill No. 2117, proposing comprehensive crop insurance for agrarian reform beneficiaries, and Senate Bill No. 2118, aiming to broaden insurance protections for farmers.
Beyond agriculture, Senator Go stressed the need to enhance healthcare access, particularly in rural communities.
"Let us bring medical services closer to our citizens. We must invest more in our healthcare system," he said.
He cited initiatives such as Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers, and Regional Specialty Centers — central to his vision of accessible healthcare for all Filipinos.
Go, principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, institutionalized Malasakit Centers to ease the financial burden of medical care for indigent patients. More than 17 million Filipinos have already benefited from the program.
He also highlighted Super Health Centers as local hubs for primary healthcare services.
"Super Health Centers bring medical services closer to our people. They serve as medium-type polyclinics where childbirth, dental services, laboratory tests, x-rays, and PhilHealth consultations can be done. Every Filipino is a PhilHealth member, so we should take advantage of this," Go said.
Super Health Centers, implemented in coordination with municipal health offices, LGUs, and PhilHealth through its Konsulta program, aim to decongest larger hospitals and improve early disease detection.
"If you have a Super Health Center, you don't need to travel far to the hospital. You can get checked up there. Early detection is very important to prevent illnesses from worsening," Go said.
In addition, Go pointed to the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers that extend advanced medical care to provinces.
"Specialty Centers will be set up in selected DOH hospitals across the Philippines for heart surgeries, cancer care, neonatal and geriatric care," he said.
Go principally sponsored and co-authored Republic Act No. 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which mandates the creation of specialized healthcare facilities within DOH regional hospitals nationwide.