Bong Go distributes aid before attending Sinulog
AFTER extending support to victims of a recent fire in Cebu City, Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go participated in the vibrant Sinulog Festival in the city on Sunday, January 21.
“I am here today not only to celebrate but also to help our countrymen who were victims of a recent fire incident. Aside from celebrating, we should also thank the Lord for the gift of life,” Go said in an interview.
Before joining the festivities, Go aided 38 families affected by fire in Barangay Quiot Pardo, Cebu City. Prioritizing this fire visit during his scheduled participation in the Sinulog Festival through the invitation of Mayor Mike Rama, Go underscored the importance of first addressing the urgent needs of indigent residents affected by crises.
On January 14, Go also visited and provided assistance to fire victims in Barangay Carreta in Cebu City before joining the celebration of the Sinulog sa Lalawigan Grand Showdown at the Cebu City Sports Complex upon the invitation of Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.
In his speech during the Sinulog Festival, Go expressed profound gratitude to the local government and organizers for their efforts to keep the festival safe and successful. He underscored his commitment to Filipino cultural heritage and the importance of such events in fostering national unity.
Go also reassured the Cebuanos of his continued support as a senator. He emphasized his dedication to the welfare and development of the region, recognizing the unique needs and contributions of Cebu to the nation.
As chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go said that the Malasakit Centers program, aimed at providing convenient access to medical assistance programs, began at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) in Cebu City in 2018.
Go successfully pushed for the program to be institutionalized under Republic Act (RA) 11463, which he principally sponsored and was the author of the Act. It was signed into law by former president Rodrigo Duterte in 2019.
Other Malasakit Centers in the city are located at St. Anthony Mother and Child Hospital and Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC). Other Malasakit Centers in the province exist at Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City, Lapu-Lapu City District Hospital, Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital in Mandaue City, and Talisay District Hospital in Talisay City.
“If you’re a Filipino, poor, and indigent patient, you’re qualified in Malasakit Center. Just go to the Malasakit Center in your area and they will help you settle your billing,” he said.
Go likewise supported the construction of 21 Super Health Centers in the province. These Super Health Centers aim to bring primary care, medical consultation and early disease detection closer to grassroots communities.
As the vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, with support from the Department of Health (DoH), led by Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa and collaboration with LGUs and fellow legislators, Go was able to push for sufficient funds in the 2022 national budget to establish 307 Super Health Centers across different regions. In the 2023 budget, 322 additional Super Health Centers were funded. Moreover, 132 Super Health Centers received funding in 2024.
JAVIER JOE ISMAEL