Senator Bong Go was recognized by the Department of Health Zamboanga Peninsula Center for Health Development (DOH ZP-CHD) during its 2026 Consultative Meeting with Program Stakeholders, where he received a plaque of recognition for his support in providing medical assistance to indigent patients.
The recognition was conferred during the Gabi ng Parangal: Dangal at Pusong Malasakit held at the Grand Astoria Hotel in Zamboanga City.
The event formed part of a two-day consultative meeting organized by the DOH ZP-CHD through its Medical Assistance Unit, bringing together stakeholders to discuss program implementation and coordination.
The plaque acknowledged Go’s contribution to strengthening access to medical assistance for indigent and financially incapacitated patients in the region.
Representatives from his office attended the event, in line with the invitation extended to stakeholders to participate in the consultations and recognition program.
The vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health underscored the importance of ensuring that government health programs reach those most in need.
“Hindi dapat pinapabayaan ang mga kababayan nating hirap sa gastusin sa ospital.”
“Ang mahalaga ay maihatid ang tulong sa tamang tao sa tamang panahon. Hindi dapat pinapabayaan ang mga kababayan nating hirap sa gastusin sa ospital,” the veteran legislator said, emphasizing the need for accessible medical assistance.
The seasoned lawmaker added that coordinated efforts among national agencies and local stakeholders remain essential in addressing gaps in healthcare access.
“Ang layunin natin ay walang maiiwan.”
“Kung magtutulungan ang national government, local government units, at iba pang ahensya, mas mapapabilis ang pag-abot ng serbisyo sa mga pasyente. Ang layunin natin ay walang maiiwan,” the senator explained.
The consultative meeting included discussions on program updates, implementation challenges, and strategies to improve service delivery. Participants were also encouraged to strengthen collaboration to ensure that assistance programs are implemented efficiently at the regional level.
Go has been closely associated with initiatives aimed at reducing the financial burden of healthcare on Filipinos. Central to this is the Malasakit Centers program, which provides a one-stop shop for patients seeking assistance with hospital expenses.
He is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the program nationwide. As of now, 167 Malasakit Centers are operational across the country, having assisted more than 17 million Filipinos with their medical expenses, based on data from the DOH.
Complementing this initiative are the Super Health Centers, which focus on primary care, consultations, and early disease detection, particularly in grassroots communities.
These centers are supported through collaboration among the DOH, local government units, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) through its Konsulta program, enabling free consultations for patients.
He also principally sponsored and is one of the authors of RA 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of specialty centers within DOH regional hospitals to bring specialized care closer to communities outside major urban areas.
“Patuloy lang ang trabaho. Hangga’t may Pilipinong nangangailangan ng tulong medikal, nandito tayo para tumulong sa abot ng ating makakaya,” Go said, reiterating his focus on improving access to healthcare services.
He also stressed that healthcare programs must remain responsive to the needs of ordinary Filipinos.
“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” stressed Go who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.
