SENATOR BONG GO CONTINUES TO ADVOCATE FOR HEALTHCARE AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT IN BICOL REGION

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography and Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, continues to champion efforts in Region V (Bicol Region) prioritizing healthcare, disaster preparedness, and infrastructure development.

Recognizing the intertwined importance of health and development, Senator Go has initiated, supported, and advocated for projects aimed at enhancing medical services, strengthening disaster resilience, and improving connectivity across the region.

Central to Senator Go’s agenda is making healthcare accessible and affordable. Through Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, he earlier pushed for the establishment of seven operational Malasakit Centers across the Bicol Region, which serve as one-stop shops for patients needing financial assistance.

These centers integrate services from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), significantly reducing hospital expenses for Filipinos in need. The operational Malasakit Centers in the region are located at:

1. Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital, Legazpi City, Albay
2. Bicol Medical Center, Naga City, Camarines Sur
3. Dr. Fernando B. Duran Sr. Memorial Hospital, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon
4. Masbate Provincial Hospital, Masbate City, Masbate
5. Bicol Region General Hospital and Geriatric Medical Center, Cabusao, Camarines Sur
6. Camarines Norte Provincial Hospital, Daet, Camarines Norte
7. Eastern Bicol Medical Center, Virac, Catanduanes

“Ang pangarap ko ay maibigay sa bawat Pilipino ang dekalidad na serbisyong medikal na hindi magpapabigat sa kanilang dinadalang problema. Ang Malasakit Center ay nandiyan upang tumulong sa mga nangangailangan,” Senator Go emphasized.

Complementing Malasakit Centers are 49 Super Health Centers funded so far in the Bicol Region, with more to be funded this year. There are more than 700 of these funded nationwide through Go’s collaboration with DOH, local government units (LGUs), and fellow lawmakers. These centers aim to provide primary medical services such as consultations, diagnostics, and disease prevention at the community level.

To address specialized medical needs, the region is also developing Regional Specialty Centers under Republic Act No. 11959, authored and principally sponsored by Senator Go. These centers are integrated into existing DOH regional hospitals and aim to provide advanced care:

– Bicol Medical Center, Naga City: Renal, Cancer, Trauma, and Neonatal Care by 2025.
– Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center, Legazpi City: Cardiovascular and Lung Care, with plans for Burn and Geriatric Care.
– Bicol Region General Hospital and Geriatric Medical Center, Cabusao: Focused on Geriatric and Eye Care.

Other healthcare projects that Go has supported since becoming a senator include upgrading provincial hospitals, acquiring advanced medical equipment, and expanding facilities to accommodate growing patient needs.

Aside from providing aid during calamities such as Mayon Volcano eruptions, Senator Go has also championed the implementation of various flood mitigating structures across the Bicol Region, given its vulnerability to natural disasters.

In addition to healthcare, Senator Go has championed numerous infrastructure projects across the Bicol Region to enhance connectivity, boost disaster resilience, and improve access to essential services.

In Albay, key projects include the rehabilitation of the Ligao City to Pioduran Road and the construction of the Busac/GMA Diversion Road in Barangay Busac, linking Albay to Camarines Sur. Public facility improvements such as the Camalig Polytechnic School and the Camalig Water System have been vital in fostering education and access to clean water.

In Camarines Norte, efforts include the construction of the Parang-South Poblacion By-Pass Road in Jose Panganiban and a drainage system in Daet, aimed at improving transportation and flood management.

In Camarines Sur, infrastructure enhancements such as the Mabolo-Almeda Bypass Road in Naga City have helped address traffic congestion. Additional projects, including public facility upgrades and road expansions, continue to benefit the province.

In Catanduanes, the improvement of the Virac Airport Runway and Terminal Building has been a priority to boost connectivity. The expansion of the San Andres Port highlights efforts to promote economic activity.

In Masbate, Senator Go supported major infrastructure initiatives such as the Masbate Airport expansion, the Masbate City Diversion Road, and the construction of a sports complex to encourage local athletic talent and host regional events which he pushed as Chair of the Senate Sports Committee.

In Sorsogon, projects like the coastal road and baywalk in Sorsogon City and the expansion of Bulan Port have improved connectivity. Additionally, the construction of a sports complex in the province he supported highlights Senator Go’s commitment to holistic development.

Senator Go’s combined healthcare and infrastructure initiatives reflect a holistic approach to regional development. By prioritizing health services and disaster resilience alongside connectivity and economic growth, the efforts aim to create a safer, healthier, and more prosperous future for the Bicol Region.

“Ang bawat proyekto ay bunga ng sama-samang pagsisikap para sa mas maunlad at mas ligtas na kinabukasan para sa mga Bicolano,” Senator Go said.

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