Senator Christopher "Bong" Go on July 13 attended the inauguration of the newly constructed Sangguniang Panlalawigan Building in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
In his address, Go underscored the importance of local infrastructure development to enhance public service delivery and reaffirmed his commitment to improving healthcare access in the grassroots.
"Sa totoo lang po, huwag po kayong magpasalamat sa amin. Kami po ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan n'yo po kami ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo po sa inyo. Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat," said Go, who also expressed his gratitude to the people of Tagum City.
He then acknowledged the efforts of Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib as represented by Provincial Administrator Josie Jean Rabanoz, Vice Governor Oyo Uy, and Tagum City Mayor Rey Uy, praising these leaders for their unwavering commitment to public service.
He likewise highlighted the selfless work of uniformed personnel across various institutions, such as the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Fire Protection.
On the same day, Go also attended the groundbreaking of the Super Health Center in the city and aided indigent residents.
As chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go highlighted his support for the establishment of Super Health Centers across the country.
"Ang Super Health Center ay isang medium type ng polyclinic. Ito ay mas maliit kaysa sa ospital at mas malaki kaysa sa Rural Health Unit,” he said.
“Pwede diyan ang birthing, dental, laboratory, X-ray at pwede pang i-improve ni Mayor. Kung gusto niyang lagyan ng dialysis machine, pwede niyang i-expand,” he added.
Go mentioned that a Super Health Center is set to be established in the city, as identified by the Department of Health. Additionally, Super Health Centers will be constructed in the Island Garden City of Samal, Carmen, Talaingod, and two more in Panabo City.
Recognizing the importance of accessible and affordable healthcare services, Go also promoted the services of the Malasakit Centers as a one-stop shop for medical assistance programs.
Go encouraged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the Malasakit Center at the Davao Regional Medical Center.
The Malasakit Centers program, initiated by Go in 2018, aims to streamline the process of availing medical assistance by bringing together various government agencies under one roof.
"Mayroon na tayong 158 na Malasakit Center sa buong Pilipinas na handang tumulong sa ating mga kababayan. Kung hindi kayang operahan dito sa Tagum City, lapitan n'yo lang ang Malasakit Center sa SPMC (Southern Philippines Medical Center) sa Davao City," Go shared.
Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program.
Concluding his address, Go reiterated his commitment to both infrastructure and healthcare development in the country, a testament to his dedication to improving the lives of Filipinos, particularly those in Davao del Norte.
“Mga kababayan, salamat sa inyong pakikinig. Uulitin ko, bukas po ang aking opisina para sa inyong lahat. Magkapitbahay lang po tayo, taga-Davao Oriental po ang aking lolo't lola. Huwag kayong mahiya sa akin. Itrato n'yo lang po akong kapitbahay ninyo,” said Go.
He continued, “Mayroon lang po akong sasabihin, sana po ay maalala ninyo ito sa mahabang panahon. Minsan lang po tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa, gawin na po natin ngayon dahil hindi na po tayo babalik sa mundong ito.”
“Ako po ang inyong Senador, Kuya Bong Go, patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat. Dahil ako po'y naniniwala na ang serbisyo po sa tao, serbisyo po 'yan sa Diyos,” concluded Go.
