BONG GO JOINS PASKOMUSTAHAN EVENT WITH FPRRD AND DAVAO CITY LEADERS AS HE EMPHASIZES IMPORTANCE OF COMPASSION AND SERVICE

SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go joined Former President Rodrigo Duterte and Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte during the Paskomustahan event attended by 182 barangay captains from Davao City at the Arcadia Event Center on Friday, December 22.

“Magandang gabi sa inyong lahat. Na-miss ko na kayo. Huwag kayong magpasalamat sa amin. Palagi ko kasing naririnig, ‘Salamat, Presidente Duterte. Salamat, senador, sa tulong ninyo sa amin’,” Go said.

“Sa totoo lang ‘wag kayong magpasalamat sa amin. Kami ang dapat na magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan nyo kami ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo sa inyong lahat,” he added.

Significant attention was given to the Duterte family, whose support Go acknowledged as pivotal in his political career.

“Gusto ko munang pasalamatan ang pamilya Duterte – (dating) Presidente Rodrigo Duterte, Vice President Sara Duterte, Congressman Pulong Duterte, at Mayor Baste Duterte,” Go said.

During the event, Go and his Malasakit Team distributed a range of gifts to the attendees, including grocery packs, watches, pens, balls for basketball and volleyball, shirts, and bags. A raffle was also drawn, where participants had the chance to win prizes such as bicycles, cellphones, watches, and pairs of shoes.

Go then discussed the Malasakit Centers initiative, a program he initiated to streamline access to medical and financial assistance. “Mayroon na tayong 159 na Malasakit Centers sa buong Pilipinas na handang tumulong sa inyo,” said Go.

Malasakit Centers bring together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. These one-stop shops aim to support impoverished patients in reducing 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 Malasakit Centers program. The DOH reported that the program has already provided aid to around ten million Filipinos.

In Davao City, a Malasakit Center is located at the Southern Philippines Medical Center.

Go also spoke about the establishment of 11 Super Health Centers in strategically identified locations in Davao City, which aims to enhance local healthcare services and reduce the need for travel to distant hospitals.

Services offered in Super Health Centers include database management, outpatient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: X-ray and ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine.

Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds have been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed.

Go also principally sponsored and is one of the authors of RA 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which was signed into law on August 24. This move, Go explained, is aimed at reducing the necessity for patients to travel to Manila for specialized treatments.

The law mandates the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. It stands as a testament to the commitment of the government to uplift the nation’s health infrastructure.

Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography as well as the Committee on Sports, underscored the importance of sports in promoting health while also continuing the campaign against illegal drugs. He passionately declared, “Gusto kong ipagpatuloy na labanan ang iligal na droga sa pamamaraan ng pag-engganyo sa mga kabataan to get into sports and stay away from drugs.”

Go reiterated that he will continue to advocate for measures that would empower barangay officials and employees. He assured them that he would push for legislation and initiatives aimed at providing the necessary support and resources to enhance their capabilities in fulfilling their roles effectively.

Go has filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 197 or the Magna Carta for Barangays, to recognize the crucial role played by barangay officials in delivering governmental services.

The proposed legislation addresses the daily challenges faced by barangay officials who are responsible for managing a broad spectrum of issues within their jurisdiction, ranging from fatalities and medical cases to conflicts and various concerns. Emphasizing their frontline position, especially in combating illicit drugs, criminal activities, and corruption, the bill acknowledges the current constraints on the benefits accessible to these officials.

If passed, SBN 197 will grant honoraria and establish salaries and other benefits similar to those enjoyed by regular government employees. Additionally, it seeks to eliminate restrictions on the number of barangay tanods, allowing barangays to increase their numbers based on actual needs.

Go concluded his message with a heartfelt appreciation and seasonal greetings. “Maraming salamat sa inyo. Merry Christmas sa inyong lahat,” he said.

He then shared a reflective message, reminding everyone of the transient nature of life and the importance of kindness and assistance to others. “At lagi nating tatandaan, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Iyan ang palaging sinasabi noon pa ni mayor Duterte. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa ay gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” Go stated.

“Ako na inyong kuya Bong Go, patuloy na magmamalasakit at magseserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya. Dahil ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao, serbisyo yan kay Allah, serbisyo yan sa Diyos,” he declared.

Finally, Go acknowledged the profound impact of the Duterte family on his political career

“Salamat sa mga kapitan ng Davao City. Maraming salamat sa inyong pagsuporta kay presidente Duterte at sa pamilya Duterte. Wala ako dito as your senator kung hindi dahil sa pamilya Duterte. Kaya mabigat ang utang na loob na dapat ay hindi nakakalimutan,” he expressed.