Bong Go pushes for enhanced economic recovery initiatives as he aids displaced workers in Medina, Misamis Oriental

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said in a video message during his team’s relief effort in Medina, Misamis Oriental on Thursday, October 12, that he will continue to push for more pro-poor programs and support measures towards more inclusive economic recovery.

“Always po ako, pro-poor programs at dapat po ay sikapin ng gobyerno na walang magutom na Pilipino. ‘Yan po ang pakiusap ko parati sa executive,” said Go.

“Kung merong isusulong na batas, suportado ko po ito basta po makakatulong sa mahihirap po at hindi mapunta sa korapsyon ang pera,” he added.

Go’s team, in coordination with Congressman Christian Unabia and Mayor Donato Chan, provided shirts, vitamins, masks, snacks, and balls for basketball and volleyball to 642 displaced workers. They also gave away shoes, watches, and mobile phones to select recipients.

The recipients were also eligible to receive benefits from the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.

Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, has been pushing for accessible and quality healthcare services to all Filipinos, particularly in far-flung areas.

He consistently pushed for the construction of Super Health Centers, including those in Gingoog City, Binuangan, Libertad, Balingasag, Claveria, Initao, and Tagoloan. There will also be six other Super Health Centers in Cagayan de Oro City.

The Super Health Center is an improved version of a rural health unit, offering basic health services such as database management, outpatient care, birthing facilities, isolation areas, diagnostic services (including laboratory tests, X-rays, and ultrasounds), pharmacy services, and ambulatory surgical units.

Additionally, these centers provide services such as eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) care, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine, which enables remote diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Go encouraged the public to seek the services of the Malasakit Centers at Northern Mindanao Medical Center and J.R. Borja General Hospital in Cagayan de Oro City, if they need assistance with their medical-related expenses.

He is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. To date, 159 operational centers have helped more than seven million Filipinos nationwide, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

“Sa mga pasyente, lapitan niyo lang ang Malasakit Center dahil para ‘to sa inyo. Kung may hospital bill kayo, nandiyan ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno na tutulong para mabayaran ito,” said Go.

Moreover, echoing President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.’s priority of bringing specialized medical services closer to other parts of the country, Go highlighted that he has principally sponsored and is one of the authors of the Regional Specialty Centers Act.

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 and bring actual medical services closer to the Filipino people.

To further help with the recovery of the province, Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported the flood control projects in Magsaysay, Medina and Gingoog City; construction of multipurpose buildings in Initao, Magsaysay and Gingoog City; rehabilitation of local roads in Balingasag, Initao, Lagonglong, Laguindingan, Libertad, Lugait, Magsaysay, Manticao and El Salvador City; and construction of water systems in Balingasag and Jasaan.

He was also instrumental in the construction of a drainage system and flood control structures along the Iponan River, the acquisition of several ambulance units and fire and dump trucks, and the construction of a three-story multipurpose building in Barangay 33 in Cagayan de Oro City.

Go’s team assisted fire victims in Tagoloan the previous day.