Kuya Bong eyes improved PWD service

Go reassured the Filipino people that he would continue to fight for their welfare by expanding access to better healthcare services.

As the country observes Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week every third week of July, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go appealed to the government, particularly the concerned agencies, to give disability prevention and the welfare of persons with disabilities (PWD) more attention.

“I look forward to our continued efforts to support our fellow Filipinos who may have disabilities but are equally capable of contributing to nation-building and leading the same lives as everyone else as we observe the Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week,” Go said.

Pursuant to Proclamation 1870 (s. 1970), as amended by Proclamation 361 (s. 2000) and Adminstrative Order 35 (s. 2002), the annual commemoration of the week-long event aims to raise public awareness on the issues and problems related to disability and encourage everyone to actively participate in improving the economic and social circumstances of PWD.

Go — who also chairs the Senate Committee on Health and Demography — reassured that he would continue to fight for their welfare by expanding access to better healthcare services and promoting inclusivity by bolstering policies and pushing for measures that promote equal opportunities for everyone. These include the Malasakit Centers program.

In 2019, Go principally authored and sponsored the measure that became Republic Act 11463 which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. The law streamlines the provision of medical assistance from the government by bringing together the relevant agencies under one roof, namely, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of Health.