San Jorge, SAMAR – Senator Christopher “Bong” Go urged Filipinos to strengthen bayanihan efforts and prioritize their health and well-being.
On Saturday, August 3, Go visited San Jorge, Samar as part of the province’s week-long festivities leading up to the Araw ng Samar celebration.
During his visit, he attended a gathering of community health frontliners to emphasize the importance of healthcare access, especially for disadvantaged sectors.
The event, held at the San Jorge Municipal Covered Court, involved a partnership between Go and the provincial government to support healthcare frontliners.
In his speech, Go stressed the need for community cooperation and compassion, saying, “Ang importante po dito ay magtulungan lang po tayo at magmalasakit.”
He urged local officials to care for their communities, particularly the poor, stating, “Pakiusap ko sa mga local officials, huwag ninyong pabayaan ang mga kababayan natin diyan, lalung-lalo na ‘yung mga mahihirap.”
Go and his Malasakit Team distributed grocery packs, shirts, basketballs, volleyballs, vitamins, and snacks to 1,000 individuals, including Barangay Health Workers (BHW), daycare workers, and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS).
They also provided select beneficiaries with bicycles, shoes, mobile phones, and watches.
Financial assistance was given to each beneficiary through collaboration with Senator Robin Padilla and local officials.
Go highlighted the critical role of community health frontliners and introduced Senate Bill No. 427, the Barangay Health Workers Compensation, to ensure fair compensation and benefits.
The proposed law aims to enhance compensation for BHWs, acknowledging their vital role in healthcare delivery and community well-being.
This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s call to prioritize BHWs, especially for their contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Go co-authored Republic Act No. 11712, which grants mandatory continuing benefits and allowances to healthcare workers during public health emergencies.
He recently urged the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to expedite the release of health emergency allowances for qualified healthcare workers.
Go advised residents with medical issues to visit the Malasakit Center at Samar Provincial Hospital in Catbalogan City for assistance.
The Malasakit Centers program, established under Republic Act No. 11463, aims to reduce medical expenses for poor and indigent patients.
The DOH reported that the 166 Malasakit Centers have assisted nearly ten million underprivileged Filipinos, with the number continuing to grow.
“Magseserbisyo ako kahit saang sulok ng Pilipinas. Iyan po ang ipinangako ko sa inyo,” Go affirmed, pledging continued service to the people.
He was also instrumental in the passage of Republic Act No. 11703, which established the Samar Island Medical Center in Catbalogan City.
He concluded his speech by reaffirming his commitment to public service, stating, “Ako na inyong Senator Kuya Bong Go, ay patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat.”
On the same day, Go provided additional support to indigents, health workers, and cooperatives in Catbalogan City.
He also served as the guest speaker for Samar Educator’s Day.
