‘ILAPIT ANG SERBISYO SA MGA PILIPINO’ — BONG GO CONTINUES EFFORTS TO EXPAND HEALTHCARE ACCESS, STRENGTHEN INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT IN MIMAROPA

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, has been a staunch advocate for improving public services in the MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan) region, focusing on healthcare access and infrastructure development. His efforts have brought significant advancements to the area, addressing critical issues and providing vital support to local communities.

“Narito po ako para tumulong sa abot ng aking makakaya, mapakinggan ang inyong mga hinaing, isulong ang mga proyektong makakapagpaunlad ng inyong lugar, ilapit ang mga serbisyo ng gobyerno na makakatulong sa inyo, at makapag-iwan ng ngiti sa oras ng inyong pagdadalamhati,” he assured.

Senator Go’s healthcare initiatives have significantly improved access to medical services across MIMAROPA. A major highlight is the establishment of Malasakit Centers, which act as a one-stop shop for Filipinos needing medical and financial assistance.

Seven Malasakit Centers have opened in the region specifically in Ospital ng Palawan, Culion Sanitarium and General Hospital, Southern Palawan Provincial Hospital, Romblon Provincial Hospital, Occidental Mindoro Provincial Hospital, Oriental Mindoro Provincial Hospital, and in the Marinduque Provincial Hospital.

Apart from Malasakit Centers, the region has benefited from the establishment of 29 Super Health Centers, enhancing access to basic healthcare services in underserved communities.

Further, Regional Specialty Centers are set to open at the Ospital ng Palawan, providing advanced medical care in cardiovascular health, lung care, infectious diseases, tropical medicine, and eye care. Go is the principal sponsor and an author of the Regional Specialty Centers Law.

Significant investments have also gone into medical equipment and facilities, such as the Boac Molecular Laboratory in Marinduque, and infrastructure improvements in various provincial hospitals.

In Occidental Mindoro, the provision of mobile clinics, ambulances, and water systems in rural areas has strengthened local health infrastructure. Similar support has been extended in Romblon and Oriental Mindoro, where ambulances and infrastructure improvements are making healthcare more accessible.

Building on these health initiatives, Senator Go has also championed infrastructure development across MIMAROPA, addressing the region’s pressing needs for enhanced connectivity, disaster resilience, and community support.

In Marinduque, significant road construction projects have improved connectivity across municipalities. The Dr. Damian Reyes Memorial Road in Boac and the Candahon-Bintakay Road in Mogpog have enhanced accessibility, while rehabilitation efforts on roads such as the Dampulan-Malibago Road in Santa Cruz and the Talawan Road in Torrijos are further boosting local transportation networks. Additionally, motor vehicles and other multi-purpose infrastructure have been provided to support local governance and public services.

In Occidental Mindoro, key projects include the concreting of farm-to-market roads such as those in Magsaysay, enhancing agricultural productivity and accessibility. Flood control structures in Sitio Baclaran, Sta. Cruz, and Brgy. Cabacao, and Abra de Ilog, are among the critical infrastructures aimed at disaster mitigation. Evacuation centers in Calintaan and Mamburao, along with improvements to public markets and municipal halls, reflect a commitment to bolstering community resilience.

In Romblon, road rehabilitation projects such as the Jct. Alcantara-Comod-om-Guinbirayan Road and the circumferential road rehabilitation in San Jose are making significant impacts. Flood mitigation structures along the Budiong and Panique Rivers provide essential protection against natural disasters, while multi-purpose facilities, such as evacuation centers and gymnasiums, improve community preparedness. Investments in public infrastructure, such as the improvement of the provincial capitol and public markets, also demonstrate a focus on economic development.

In Palawan, road development projects like the Plaridel-Tigman-Caburian Road in Aborlan and the Oring-Oring Road in Brooke’s Point are opening up remote areas for economic activity. Solar street lighting projects in Puerto Princesa and other municipalities are enhancing safety and energy efficiency. Multi-purpose buildings, seawalls, roads, and community facilities have also been developed across the province, addressing the diverse needs of its population.

In Oriental Mindoro, improved access through projects such as the Panggulayan-Anoling-Buli Road in Pinamalayan and the circumferential road rehabilitation in Puerto Galera is transforming local mobility. Infrastructure projects like the Oriental Mindoro Youth Center and municipal gymnasiums across various towns reflect efforts to provide spaces for youth engagement and community activities. Multi-purpose buildings in Calapan City, Baco, and Bongabong further enhance local public services.

To address the perennial issue of flooding, Senator Go has supported the proper implementation of flood-mitigating structures across MIMAROPA. These efforts underscore Senator Go’s commitment to building resilient communities capable of withstanding natural calamities.

Go’s health initiatives, infrastructure projects, and disaster resilience efforts have helped transform the region, improving the lives of countless Filipinos.

“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.