BONG GO PROMOTES ACCESSIBLE HEALTHCARE AND COMMUNITY WELFARE DURING VISIT TO SURIGAO CITY

On Saturday, January 11, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go visited Surigao City to distribute aid to indigent residents and inspect the Super Health Center aimed at improving access to healthcare services for the community.

As a health reforms crusader, Senator Go underscored the importance of prioritizing health and bringing essential medical services closer to Filipinos, especially those in underserved areas.

“Ang kalusugan ay kayamanan. Kailangan po nating bigyan ng prayoridad ang kalusugan dahil ito ang pundasyon ng mas maayos na kinabukasan para sa bawat pamilya. Kaya po tayo nagtutulungan upang mailapit ang serbisyong medikal sa mga nangangailangan,” Senator Go, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, remarked.

The Super Health Center in Barangay Cagniog, Surigao City, one of over 700 centers funded nationwide, is part of Senator Go’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare system. These centers are designed to provide primary care services, including consultations, diagnostics, minor treatments, and preventive healthcare, reducing congestion in larger hospitals while addressing the immediate needs of the community.

During his visit, Senator Go distributed essential support such as shirts, vitamins, and snacks to 714 beneficiaries, composed of solo parents, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) at Barangay Washington gymnasium. Additionally, bicycles, mobile phones, shoes, basketballs and volleyballs were given to select recipients.

The qualified beneficiaries also received financial support from the local government in collaboration with Senator Go. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the needs of vulnerable sectors through stronger government support and accessible services.

“Napakahalaga po na masiguro natin na ang ating mga solo parents, senior citizens, at PWDs ay may sapat na suporta mula sa gobyerno. Sila ang mas nangangailangan ng malasakit at tulong, kaya ginagawa natin ang lahat para mailapit sa kanila ang serbisyong nararapat,” Go stated.

He also took the opportunity to recognize barangay health workers and local officials for their unwavering dedication to serving their communities. “Kayo po ang mga bayani ng ating mga barangay, lalo na noong panahon ng pandemya. Saludo po ako sa inyo at patuloy ko kayong susuportahan,” he said.

The senator then expressed his gratitude to Surigao City officials for their hard work and dedication in ensuring the welfare of their constituents. He specifically acknowledged Governor Robert Lyndon Barbers, Vice Governor Geed Gokiangkee, and Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao II, for their collective efforts in addressing the needs of the community.

“Maraming salamat po sa inyong sipag at malasakit sa inyong mga kababayan. Hindi po magiging matagumpay ang mga programang ito kung wala ang tulong at suporta ng lokal na pamahalaan,” he said.

“Nais kong iparating na ang inyong tiwala at suporta ay aking gagamitin upang patuloy na maglingkod nang buong puso. Bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at gagawin ko ito hangga’t kaya ko,” Go declared.

The senator concluded his visit by encouraging Surigaonons to work together for a better future. “Ang malasakit ay hindi natatapos sa mga tulong na ibinibigay natin. Dapat sabayan ito ng pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan. Sama-sama tayong magtulungan para sa mas malusog, mas masaya, at mas maunlad na Surigao City,” he said.

He also spearheaded two turnover ceremonies in Barangay Baan Km. 3, Surigao City—the Road Concreting Project and the new Covered Court. Both infrastructure projects were funded with the senator’s support as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, reflecting his commitment to improving infrastructure that benefits local communities.

On the same day, Senator Go attended the Philippine Nurses Association CARAGA Region Nurses Conference 2025 in the city as well.