BONG GO PRIORITIZES HEALTH REFORMS, YOUTH EMPOWERMENT, SPORTS DEVELOPMENT, AND LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN 2025

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has advocated for crucial budgetary allocations that address health reforms, youth empowerment, sports development, and local infrastructure across the country for 2025.

As Chairperson of the Senate Committees on Health, on Sports, and on Youth while also being Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Go emphasized the importance of investments that directly benefit Filipinos, particularly those in underserved communities.

“Dapat natin unahin ang mga pangangailangan ng ating kababayan, lalo na sa sektor ng kalusugan at serbisyong pampubliko,” Senator Go said, underscoring his advocacy to improve public health and uplift marginalized sectors.

True to his health-centered advocacy, Senator Go pushed for significant funds for the improvement of health infrastructure nationwide. The 2025 budget includes the construction and upgrading of more Super Health Centers, Barangay Health Stations, and Public Hospitals, ensuring accessible healthcare facilities for Filipinos. A halfway house is also set to be built at the Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium, catering to patients in transition.

Senator Go also highlighted the allocation of scientific and medical research initiatives through the University of the Philippines National Institutes for Health, recognizing the importance of advancing medical solutions and innovations.

Investing in the nation’s youth and athletic potential, Senator Go ensured funding for Financial Assistance to Athletes, including community sports development programs, sports, and related activities under the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

To complement this, educational institutions such as Guimaras State University and Davao Oriental State University are set to receive funding for gymnasium rehabilitation and water supply infrastructure, respectively. At Northern Iloilo State University, a new Student Center will also be established, enhancing the campus experience for students.

Meanwhile, the National Youth Commission (NYC) is tasked to implement a program that Go pushed for that will focus on capacity-building for youth organizations through training programs, youth empowerment seminars, and research.

“Ang ating kabataan ang future leaders at pag-asa ng ating bayan. Kailangan silang bigyan ng sapat na suporta para maabot ang kanilang potensyal,” Senator Go stated.

Recognizing the importance of infrastructure to regional and local development, Go supported the budget for key projects such as the Department of National Defense’s (DND) Construction of a building for the Air Base in Puerto Princesa, Palawan; the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Rehabilitation of the Aviation Security Unit 11 Office Building in Sasa, Davao City; Bureau of Fire Protection’s (BFP) Establishment of a training center in Mallig, Isabela; Bureau of Jail Management and Penology’s (BJMP) for the Construction of a basketball court for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in Samal City Jail and a male dormitory in Urdaneta District Jail, Pangasinan; and Commission on Elections’ (COMELEC) New office buildings in Davao City and Samal Island.

Go also supported the budget for the rehabilitation of cottages for Marawi Resort Inc., contributing to the ongoing rebuilding of Marawi City.

Reflecting on the inclusion of assistance for Hajj pilgrims through the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), Senator Go reiterated the importance of cultural and spiritual traditions in policy-making.

“Hindi lang ito tungkol sa mga proyekto. Ito ay tungkol sa pagbibigay halaga sa lahat ng aspekto ng buhay ng ating mamamayan—pisikal, espiritwal, at kultura,” he said.

As 2025 unfolds, Senator Go remains steadfast in championing initiatives that benefit Filipinos on multiple fronts. He envisions a healthier, stronger, and more empowered Philippines in the coming years.

“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” underscored Go who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.