San Jorge, SAMAR-Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has reminded Filipinos to strengthen bayanihan efforts in their communities 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, Go joined a gathering of community health frontliners to highlight the importance of access to healthcare, especially for disadvantaged sectors.
The event, held at the San Jorge Municipal Covered Court, saw Go partnering with the provincial government to support healthcare frontliners.
In his speech, the senator emphasized the need for community cooperation and support, stating, “Ang importante po dito ay magtulungan lang po tayo at magmalasakit.”
He urged local officials not to neglect the needs of their communities, particularly the poor, saying, “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).
Select beneficiaries also received bicycles, shoes, mobile phones, and watches.
Through collaboration with Senator Robin Padilla and local officials, financial assistance was provided to each beneficiary.
Go also highlighted the crucial role of community health frontliners, introducing Senate Bill No. 427, the Barangay Health Workers Compensation, to ensure fair compensation and benefits.
The proposed law aims to improve compensation and benefits for BHWs, acknowledging their key role in healthcare delivery and community well-being.
This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s call to prioritize BHWs, especially given their contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Go co-authored Republic Act No. 11712, granting 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 also offered assistance to residents with medical issues, advising them to visit the Malasakit Center at Samar Provincial Hospital in Catbalogan City.
The Malasakit Centers program, institutionalized 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 still growing.
“Magseserbisyo ako kahit saang sulok ng Pilipinas. Iyan po ang ipinangako ko sa inyo,” Go affirmed, promising continued service to the people.
Moreover, Go was also instrumental in the passage of Republic Act No. 11703, establishing 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 extended support to more indigents, health workers, and cooperatives in Catbalogan City.
He also served as the guest speaker for Samar Educator’s Day.
