Senator Bong Go co- sponsored the Philippine Geriatric Center (PGC) Bill during the Senate plenary session as he underscored that taking care of the elderly is part of Filipino culture.
“Bilang Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Health at isa sa mga author, nakasuporta po ako sa panukalang batas na nagtatatag ng Philippine Geriatric Center sa bansa,” Go said.
“Dahil tayong mga Pilipino ay kilala bilang family oriented. Nasa kultura na natin na alagaan ang mga nakakatanda,” the veteran legislator added.
Under Senate Bill No. 1302, or the proposed PGC Act, there shall be a dedicated tertiary specialty hospital for older people and the aging population under the direct control and supervision of the Department of Health (DOH).
“Through the establishment of the PGC, the government stays true in its pursuit of guaranteeing the right to health of our senior citizens.”
“Through the establishment of the PGC, the government stays true in its pursuit of guaranteeing the right to health of our senior citizens by ensuring that holistic health services are available and accessible to them,” the seasoned lawmaker explained.
The senator added that senior citizens often suffer from chronic illnesses brought on by advanced age: “Their conditions often manifest in functional decline and cognitive impairments which require long-term care, rehabilitation, and palliative services.”
“The number of senior citizens is projected to reach over 14 million by 2030.”
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that there is a growing population of senior citizens in the country and that the number of senior citizens is projected to reach over 14 million by 2030.
“This growing population of senior citizens underscores the need for a dedicated specialized healthcare service that is appropriate for the urgent and specialized needs of aging individuals,” he said.
Go’s co-sponsorship of the PGC bill shows his unwavering commitment and continuing support to the plight of senior citizens. It was during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte when Republic Act No. 11350, or the National Commission of Senior Citizens Act was signed into law.
Go likewise co-authored RA 11916 increasing the social pension for indigent senior citizens from P500 to P1,000 and co-authored and co-sponsored RA 11982 providing cash gift for senior citizens who reached 80, 85, 90 and 95 years old.
He is also the principal sponsor and co-author of RA 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which established specialty centers in DOH hospitals including geriatric specialty care centers.
“I understand the challenges that our elderlies face, and I am fully aware of the responsibilities that come with ensuring their well-being,” Go concluded.
