By Ricky J. Bautista
CATBALOGAN CITY — In the lead-up to the Samar Founding Anniversary on August 11, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go reaffirmed his ongoing commitment to supporting marginalized communities by distributing financial assistance and supplies to residents in Samar on Saturday, August 3.
As Chairman of the Committee on Health, Senator Go began his visit in the municipalities of San Jorge, Gandara, and Tarangnan in Samar’s first district and provided financial aid to Barangay Nutrition Scholars, Barangay Health Workers and Day Care Workers before proceeding to Catbalogan City, the provincial capital, for another distribution of assistance.
At the covered court in Barangay Maulong, approximately 23 cooperatives from Samar and Leyte gathered for his arrival at 2 p.m. During the “Malasakit sa Kooperatiba” event, Senator Go distributed ceremonial checks worth PHP 50,000 each to cooperatives selected by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Eastern Visayas.
In addition to the cash aid, Go’s team giveaway grocery packs, bicycle, masks, snacks, balls for basketball, crutches, and calendars. They also reimbursed transportation costs for participants, some of whom traveled from island towns.
CDA-8 Regional Director Venus Jornales assisted Go in distributing a total of PHP 1,150,000 among the 23 cooperatives, which were chosen for their compliance with CDA’s annual requirements.
Senator Go was joined by actor Philip Salvador and received a warm welcome from local officials, including Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan, Vice Governor Arnold Tan, and Representatives Stephen James Tan (1st district-Samar) and Michael Reynolds Tan (2nd district-Samar). Catbalogan Mayor Dexter Uy, Vice Mayor Coefredo “Tekwa” Uy, and the city council also extended their welcome.
Mayor Uy expressed gratitude for Go’s support in funding the new City Hall and the Catbalogan Buri Airport, among other projects. Former Mayor and current Councilor Stephany Uy Tan also thanked Go for his past assistance during emergencies, including fires and typhoons.
By 3:30 p.m., Go met with thousands of Samar residents at the Samar State University (SSU) gymnasium. He distributed additional financial aid, distributed items such as bicycles and cellphones, and provided Jollibee food packs, vitamins, and face masks.
At 4:10 p.m., Governor Tan invited Go to the “Educator’s Night” at Tandaya Hall, where he spoke with teachers and DepEd personnel. Governor Tan praised Go for his support in funding infrastructure projects, including Tandaya Hall and the Cabalogan Airport.
During his visit, Go highlighted the benefits of the Malasakit Centers he established, noting that there are now 166 centers across the country aiding indigent patients. He encouraged beneficiaries to utilize these centers, which bring together representatives from the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to support impoverished patients.
As the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, Go reaffirmed his commitment to expanding these centers.
“To the patients, please visit the Malasakit Centers. If you have hospital bills, the government agencies are there to help cover them,” Go said.
He also announced plans to establish 600 super health centers nationwide, with 40 set for Eastern Visayas. These centers are designed to reduce congestion in public hospitals by addressing primary health care needs and offering basic surgical services.
The senator reiterated his commitment to expanding the number of Super Health Centers to improve accessibility to government medical services.
“Patuloy po akong tutulong sa pagpaparami ng Super Health Centers sa bansa sa abot po ng aking makakaya,” Go added. “The goal of these centers is to bring government medical services closer to the people, especially in rural areas.”
