BONG GO CHAMPIONS LOCAL DEVELOPMENT, HEALTH REFORMS, AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT DURING LMP CEBU CHAPTER YEAR-END ASSEMBLY

On Friday, December 6, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go addressed the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Cebu Chapter during their year-end general assembly at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City. He underscored his steadfast commitment to supporting local government units, advancing his health reforms crusade, and promoting programs for youth and sports development.

Reflecting on his hands-on approach to public service, Go emphasized his dedication to assisting Filipinos personally.

“Hindi ako nanatili lang sa opisina habang ang ating mga kababayan ay nangangailangan ng tulong. Hindi kayo dapat magpasalamat sa akin, dahil ako ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyong lahat lalo na sa Cebu sa inyong tiwala sa akin,” said Go.

He reaffirmed his advocacy for accessible medical services, highlighting initiatives such as the Malasakit Centers, which provide accessible medical assistance programs under a law he principally authored and sponsored.

“Alam ninyo, ang Cebu Province ang may pinakamaraming Malasakit Centers sa buong Pilipinas… Sa katunayan, ang unang Malasakit Center ay naitayo dito… may pito dito sa Cebu,” he shared.

With the first one launched in Cebu in 2018, Malasakit Centers serve as one-stop shops aimed at helping impoverished patients reduce their hospital costs to the least possible amount. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the program.

In Cebu, Malasakit Centers are operational at the Cebu Provincial Hospital, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC), St. Anthony Mother & Child Hospital, Cebu City Medical Center, Eversley Childs Sanitarium Hospital in Mandaue City, Talisay District Hospital, Lapu-Lapu District Hospital, and Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City.

As of now, 166 Malasakit Centers are operational nationwide, assisting patients with medical expenses. The Department of Health (DOH) reports that the Malasakit Centers program has already helped more than 15 million Filipinos.

Go also discussed the construction of more Super Health Centers to bring primary healthcare closer to communities and the enactment of the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which he principally sponsored, to improve access to specialized medical services.

“Ang mga Super Health Centers ay medium-type polyclinics… Mayroong 21 na kasalukuyang itinatayo sa Cebu,” he said.

Through the collaborative efforts of Go, fellow lawmakers, the DOH, led by Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, and local government units, funding has been secured to establish over 700 Super Health Centers nationwide.

Go is also one of the authors and principal sponsors of Republic Act No. 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers in existing DOH regional hospitals.

“Katulad dito sa Cebu, meron na kayong heart center dito. Sa hinaharap, magkakaroon din ng renal care at lung care sa Vicente Sotto para hindi na kailangang pumunta pa sa Manila ang inyong mga pasyente,” he said.

Go highlighted the passage of the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of dedicated evacuation centers in every municipality and city nationwide. He also advocated for empowering barangays by filing bills for the Magna Carta of Barangays and the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers.

As Chairperson of the Senate Committees on Sports and Youth, Go emphasized the importance of grassroots sports development in keeping the youth healthy and away from illegal drugs.

“Chairman ako ng Committee on Youth sa Senado. Naniniwala ako na ang kabataan ang kinabukasan ng ating bansa. Suportahan natin ang ating mga kabataan,” remarked Go.

He championed Senate Bill No. 2514, or the Philippine National Games Act, to strengthen local sports programs. Additionally, he was instrumental in the passage of Republic Act No. 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports to provide student-athletes with opportunities to excel academically and athletically.

Go expressed his gratitude to Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, and other public servants for their contributions to nation-building. He also acknowledged the efforts of the Cebu Province LMP Executive Committee, led by Mayor Sun Shimura of Daanbantayan, for their leadership and coordination among municipalities.

During the gathering, Go’s Malasakit Team distributed Christmas packs, sports equipment, shirts, and other tokens to attendees.

As part of his holiday message, Go expressed a heartfelt wish: “Ito ang hiling ko ngayong Pasko at Bagong Taon. Masaya at malusog na Bagong Taon, dahil ang kalusugan ang mahalaga,” he said.

He concluded with an appeal for kindness and service to others: “Minsan lang po tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede natin gawin sa ating kapwa ay gawin na po natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito.”

“Ako po ang inyong Senator Kuya Bong Go. Patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil ako po’y naniniwala na ang serbisyo po sa tao, serbisyo po ‘yan sa Diyos,” underscored Go, who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.