SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, on Friday, March 22, attended as the guest of honor and keynote speaker at the Lady Local Legislators League of the Philippines National Summit at the Iloilo Convention Center in Iloilo City through the invitation of Vice Governor Christine Garin.
The event brought together influential women legislators to serve as a platform for dialogue on women’s critical roles in steering the country toward progress, inclusivity, and good governance.
Go opened his speech by emphasizing his unwavering commitment to the Filipino people, underscoring the importance of public service, healthcare improvements, and sound legislative action to uplift the lives of the less privileged.
“Sa totoo lang po, huwag po kayong magpasalamat sa akin. Kami po’y mga probinsyano lamang na binigyan n’yo po ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo po sa inyo. Ako po ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo. Maraming, maraming salamat po sa pagkakataon. Hinding-hindi ko po sasayangin ‘yung pagkakataong ibinigay n’yo po sa akin,” he stated.
Recounting an eventful trip to inaugurate a Malasakit Center in Basilan a few years ago, Go shared his experience of a significant scare when the aircraft he was in encountered severe difficulties. This moment was a stark reminder of the risks associated with public service.
“Muntik na kaming namatay… Ngunit ako po ay naniniwala na kung panahon mo na sa mundong ito, panahon mo na. Hindi mo pa panahon, hindi mo pa panahon. Diyos lang po ang makakaalam… sa totoo lang po, hindi po ako takot mamatay. Sinabi ko sa speech ko doon sa Basilan, isa pong karangalan ang mamatay habang naglilingkod po sa ating mga kababayan,” Go shared.
“Alam n’yo po, mas gusto kong mamatay na nagta-trabaho. Hindi ‘yung walang ginagawa, nakatiwangwang lang sa malamig na opisina. Gusto ko nagseserbisyo sa inyo. Lesson learned… kapag maganda po ang iyong layunin sa iyong kapwa, hinding hindi ka pababayaan ng Panginoon. Kahit kailan po, may Panginoon na nakatingin sa atin parati ,” he added.
Much like his readiness to face danger in the line of duty, Go said that women across the nation also embody sacrifice and resilience, whether in nurturing families or leading their communities in various capacities.
“The importance of women in society cannot be overstated. From the boardroom to the classroom, from the halls of government to the corridors of our homes, women play indispensable roles that drive progress and shape the future,” he said.
“They are the pillars of our communities, the nurturers of our children, and the architects of change. Therefore, advancing gender equality is not just a moral imperative but an economic and social necessity,” he added.
Go then reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the women sector as he shared some of his legislative efforts to support them.
“One of the legislative milestones that I am particularly proud of is Republic Act No. 11861, amending the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000. This amendment marks a significant step forward in providing additional benefits to solo parents, predominantly women, who courageously navigate the challenges of single parenthood,” shared Go who is one of the authors and co-sponsors of the measure.
Furthermore, Go filed Senate Bill No. 2504, which proposes another salary increase for government employees through the “Salary Standardization Law VI (SSL6)” if enacted.
As the chairman of the Committee on Health, Go also emphasized his three priority health initiatives to improve public health service delivery in communities: Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers, and Regional Specialty Centers.
Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which Go principally authored and sponsored, institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program.
“Mayroon na ho tayong 161 na Malasakit Center sa buong Pilipinas na handang tumulong po sa ating mga kababayan. It’s a one-stop shop. Nasa loob na po nga hospital ang PhilHealth, PCSO (Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office), DOH (Department of Health), at DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development). Mayroon tayong 90 sa Luzon, 30 sa Visayas, at 41 sa Mindanao,” shared Go.
Malasakit Centers are poised to assist with patients’ medical expenses, which has benefitted more than ten million Filipinos so far, according to the DOH.
Meanwhile, Super Health Centers are designed to bring primary care, medical consultation, and early disease detection closer to communities, further strengthening the country’s healthcare sector in the grassroots.
Through the collective efforts of Go, DOH, local government units, and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds have been allocated for more than 700 Super Health Centers nationwide, including 27 in Iloilo province.
Finally, Go, who principally sponsored and is one of the authors of Republic Act No. 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, worked collaboratively with other legislators for the passage of this landmark legislation.
The law mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals to bring specialized medical services to all regions.
During the event, Go also took a moment to recognize the League’s national officials, including National President, Iloilo Vice Governor Garin; Executive Vice President, Quezon City Councilor Kate Galang Coseteng; Vice President for Visayas, Eastern Samar Vice Governor Maricar Sison-Goteesan; Vice President for Luzon, Laguna Board Member Karla Adajar; Vice President for Mindanao, Sulu Board Member Charina Izquierdo-Isahac; Secretary General, Cagayan Board Member Mila Catabay-Lauigan; National Treasurer, Siquijor Vice Governor Mei Ling Quezon; National Auditor, Zamboanga del Norte Board Member Patri Chan; and National Public Relations Officer, Albay Vice Governor Glenda Ong Bongao.
He likewise thanked all the regional presidents, board of directors and other lady legislators present from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Ending his speech, Go urged fellow legislators and the public to work together in creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
“Each of you is a superstar in your own right, blazing trails, breaking barriers, and inspiring positive change in your respective communities. Your dedication, resilience, and passion exemplify the spirit of leadership that propels our nation forward,” stated Go.
“As we conclude this summit, let us recommit ourselves to the cause of gender equality and economic empowerment. Together, let us build a future where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive, contribute, and lead. Thank you,” he concluded.
During the activity, Go and his Malasakit Team distributed bags and assorted delicacies to the attendees. As Senate Committee on Sports Chair, he also provided balls for basketball and volleyball to promote sports as a crucial part of nation-building.
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