BONG GO LEADS TURNOVER OF AMBULANCES IN DAVAO ORIENTAL TO BOOST HEALTHCARE RESPONSE IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES

On Saturday, October 12, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go joined the turnover ceremony of new ambulances for the municipalities of Banaybanay and Governor Generoso in Davao Oriental. The event, held in San Isidro, underscored Go’s commitment to improving healthcare access in rural areas.

The ceremony gathered key officials, including Banaybanay Mayor Ian Larcia, Governor Generoso Mayor Juanito Inojales, representatives from the Department of Health, and municipal health officers.

These ambulances made possible through the efforts of Go as vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, are part of his relentless advocacy to strengthen the country’s healthcare system. This is especially critical in remote communities where access to emergency medical services can often mean the difference between life and death.

Go stressed the urgency of providing a swift medical response in times of emergencies, saying, “Kapag may health emergency, hindi puwedeng maghintay. Kailangan ng mabilis na aksyon, at ang ambulansya ang magsisiguro na agad na madadala ang pasyente sa ospital. Lahat ng ating ginagawa ay para sa kaligtasan ng ating mamamayan.”

“Tandaan natin na ang kalusugan ay katumbas ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” he added.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Go has been instrumental in championing various healthcare initiatives. He continues to push for programs aimed at ensuring equitable healthcare services, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.

“Alam ko kung gaano kahalaga ang mga serbisyong pangkalusugan sa ating mga kababayan dito sa mga probinsya. Kaya patuloy akong magsusumikap na maghatid ng mas maayos at mas mabilis na serbisyong medikal para sa inyo,” he added.

The newly delivered ambulances are expected to provide critical healthcare access for the residents of Banaybanay and Governor Generoso, ensuring timely and reliable medical transportation during emergencies.

“Walang pinipiling oras o lugar ang mga sakuna at karamdaman, kaya dapat handa tayo anumang oras. Para sa mga kababayan natin sa Banaybanay at Governor Generoso, nandirito ako kasama ninyo—handang magserbisyo sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo,” Go said, reassuring the people of his unwavering dedication to public service.

Go’s commitment to healthcare does not stop at Banaybanay and Governor Generoso. He has also backed the acquisition of ambulances for several other municipalities across Davao Oriental, including Baganga, Boston, Caraga, Cateel, Lupon, Manay, San Isidro, and Tarragona. His vision of improving healthcare services extends throughout the province, ensuring that every town has the means to address medical emergencies effectively.

Beyond healthcare, Go has supported various infrastructure projects in Davao Oriental aimed at improving connectivity and public services. Notable among these are the construction and improvement of key roads and bridges, such as the Matiao-Magsaysay Coastal Road and the Monkayo-Boston Road. These projects are essential for linking remote communities and providing easier access to essential services. Other roads like the NHJ to Santiago-Macopa Road, which leads to Pusan Point, and the Mawab-Maragusan-Caraga Road are also underway.

Flood mitigation efforts and water systems have also been a priority. In Baganga and Lupon, potable water systems were established, while flood control structures were built along the Manurigao, Casauman, and Manay Rivers, safeguarding both lives and livelihoods from natural disasters.

Public infrastructure has likewise seen significant development with Go’s support. Multi-purpose buildings were constructed in Banaybanay, Caraga, and Mati City, providing essential spaces for community gatherings and government services. In Banaybanay, solar street lights were installed to illuminate key areas, improving safety and security for residents.

Go has also been actively supporting education in Davao Oriental. Just last month, Go lauded the Senate’s approval of House Bill Nos. 10441 and 10442, which aim to establish two new national high schools in the province–Manikling National High School in San Isidro, and Maputi National High School in Banaybanay.

The event concluded with Go reaffirming his long-term commitment to healthcare projects nationwide. “Patuloy kong gagawin ang lahat para mapabuti ang kalusugan ng ating mga kababayan. Gagawin ko ang lahat para sa inyo dahil para sa akin, kayo ang inspirasyon ko sa paglilingkod,” he declared, once again solidifying his role as “Mr. Malasakit.”

Aside from the ambulance turnover, Go also extended aid to minimum wage earners in San Isidro on the same day. To cap off the eventful day, he attended the championship game of the Christian Lawrence Go Cup, a local sports tournament, showing his support for grassroots sports development.