Senator Bong Go, adopted son of CALABARZON, joined Governor Sol Aragones and local leaders in Cabuyao City, Laguna to spearhead initiatives aimed at uplifting the lives of women from Laguna.
During his visit, Go reaffirmed his commitment to advancing programs that directly benefit poor and vulnerable sectors of society, particularly women and solo parents.
At the relief activity held at the Cabuyao Athletic Basic School (CABS), the veteran legislator, together with his team, distributed snacks, vitamins, shirts, and pens to around 3,000 beneficiaries. Others also received basketballs, volleyballs, shoes, mobile phones, and watches.
Aragones, together with Board Members Tutti Caringal and Neptali Bagnes, Cabuyao Mayor Dennis Hain, Vice Mayor Junjun Batallones, and the local government, also extended additional support to beneficiaries, highlighting the strong partnership between national and local leaders in delivering aid and services to communities.
“Hindi ko po tinuturing ang sarili ko na isang politiko.”
“Hindi ko po tinuturing ang sarili ko na isang politiko. Alam niyo, ang panahon na ito, napaka-gulo ng politika. Habang magulo ang politiko, ang nasasakripisyo ay serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan… Ako po ang dapat na magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan ninyo ako ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo sa inyo ulit. Maraming salamat po,” the seasoned lawmaker said.
“Mas kailangan ng taong bayan na pinupuntahan sila kahit hindi eleksyon. Gusto kong tumanaw ng utang na loob. Ako po’y marunong tumanaw ng utang na loob at andito po ako para makapag-iwan man lang ng konting ngiti sa ating mga kababayan,” the senator added.
“Mas kailangan ng taong bayan na pinupuntahan sila kahit hindi eleksyon.”
Highlighting the important role of women in society and in every family, the senator expressed his gratitude to mothers and grandmothers for their sacrifices and contributions.
“Mga kababaihan, kayo po ang mga haligi ng tahanan. Mga lola, wala kami sa mundong ito kung hindi dahil sa inyo. Sa mga nanay, wala kami sa mundong ito kung hindi dahil sa inyo. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat,” he said.
Recognizing the struggles faced by solo parents, Go also highlighted Republic Act No. 11861, or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, which he co-authored and co-sponsored. The law grants additional benefits such as a 10-percent discount on baby essentials and expanded parental leave privileges to help solo parents better provide for their children.
“Sa mga solo parents, huwag po kayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Ang importante ay buhay tayo. Mas masarap ang pakiramdam na kasama ninyo ang inyong mga anak. ‘Yun po ang nagpapawala sa atin ng pagod,” Go expressed.
As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go likewise reiterated his commitment to bringing healthcare services closer to communities. He encouraged residents needing medical assistance to seek help from the Malasakit Centers located at the Laguna Medical Center in Sta. Cruz and the San Pablo City General Hospital in San Pablo City.
The Malasakit Center program, which Go principally sponsored and authored through Republic Act No. 11463, serves as a one-stop shop that brings together relevant government agencies to help indigent patients reduce hospital expenses. Since its launch in 2018 and institutionalization in 2019, the 167 Malasakit Centers nationwide have assisted more than 17 million Filipinos.
“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Panginoon, serbisyo rin kay Allah,” he underscored.
