As the Philippines observes Mother’s Day on 11 May, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go paid tribute to Filipino mothers and called for stronger efforts to improve maternal healthcare, particularly for those in underserved and remote areas.
Go emphasized the critical role mothers play not only within their households but in the broader fabric of society, often under difficult conditions.
“Hindi matutumbasan ng anumang salita o parangal ang hirap at sakripisyo ng isang ina. Sila ang unang gumigising, huling natutulog, at laging inuuna ang kapakanan ng pamilya bago ang sarili,” said Go.
(“No words or awards can ever match the hardship and sacrifice of a mother. She is the first to wake up, the last to sleep, and always puts her family’s needs before her own.”)
The senator urged Filipinos to treat the occasion as more than a symbolic gesture, advocating for sustained action that improves the lives of mothers who continue to face barriers to essential health services.
“Alalahanin natin ngayong Araw ng mga Ina na marami pa ring nanay sa mga liblib na lugar ang walang access sa doktor, midwife, o kahit simpleng health check-up. Kailangan nilang maglakad ng kilometro para lang makapagpatingin,” he added.
(“Let us remember this Mother’s Day that many mothers in remote areas still have no access to a doctor, midwife, or even a simple health check-up. They have to walk for kilometers just to get medical attention.”)
Citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, Go highlighted the country’s high maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 189 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022 — significantly above the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of 70 by 2030. Preventable complications such as hemorrhage, infection, and hypertensive disorders continue to contribute to maternal deaths nationwide.
As chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go has championed legislation aimed at expanding access to healthcare. Under Republic Act No. 11463 or the "Malasakit Centers Act of 2019," which he principally authored and sponsored, 167 Malasakit Centers have been established in public hospitals nationwide to consolidate government medical assistance programs. To date, over 17 million Filipinos have benefited from these services, including expectant mothers and newborns.
Go has also supported the rollout of Super Health Centers — over 700 of which have been established — to provide community-level outpatient services, diagnostic care, and basic maternal health services.
“Hindi kailangang maghintay na lumala ang kondisyon bago magpagamot. Kahit simpleng check-up lang, malaking tulong na ‘yan sa mga buntis lalo na kung malayo ang ospital. Mas maaga silang namo-monitor, mas ligtas ang panganganak,” he said.
(“There’s no need to wait for a condition to worsen before seeking treatment. Even a simple check-up is a big help for pregnant women, especially if the hospital is far. The earlier they are monitored, the safer the delivery.")
In addition, Go is a principal sponsor and one of the authors of Republic Act No. 11959, or the "Regional Specialty Centers Act." The law mandates the creation of specialty units — including maternal and neonatal care — in regional hospitals under the Department of Health to ease the burden on patients who would otherwise travel long distances for care.
“Hindi dapat namamatay ang isang ina o sanggol dahil lang sa kakulangan ng pasilidad o doktor. Dapat may sapat na serbisyong medikal sa bawat rehiyon,” Go said.
(“A mother or child should not die just because of a lack of facilities or doctors. There should be adequate medical services in every region.")
He also co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11861, which expands benefits under the "Expanded Solo Parents’ Welfare Act." The law grants additional leave, discounts on baby essentials, and social protection measures for single mothers.
As Filipinos celebrate Mother’s Day, Go reiterated his appeal for collective action to ensure all mothers have access to quality healthcare and support.
"Ang tunay na regalo para sa mga ina ay ang katiyakang may maayos silang serbisyong pangkalusugan, ligtas silang manganganak, at may tulong na makakarating kung kailangan nila,” he concluded.
(“The true gift for mothers is the assurance that they have proper healthcare services, that they can give birth safely, and that help will reach them when they need it.")