Senator Bong Go personally extended additional support to indigent residents in Batasan Hills, Quezon City, in coordination with Councilor Mikey Belmonte, who initiated the relief initiative for thousands of beneficiaries in the community.
Highlighting the significance of improving the quality of life for the poor, Go reiterated his dedication to boosting the health and welfare of Filipinos, starting from the community level, to help ensure a secure and healthier future for all.
“Dapat po ay sikapin ng gobyerno na walang magutom na Pilipino.”
“Prayoridad ko ang pagsuporta sa pro-poor programs at dapat po ay sikapin ng gobyerno na walang magutom na Pilipino. ‘Yan po ang pakiusap ko parati sa kapwa ko lingkod bayan,” said Go, who is also dubbed as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service for the poor.
“Huwag po kayong magpasalamat sa akin. Trabaho ko po ‘yan na magserbisyo sa inyo. Maraming salamat po sa inyo. Alam niyo ba na taga-Quezon City ako? Kapitbahay po tayo, ten years ako nakatira diyan sa Teacher’s Village,” the veteran legislator added.
During the visit, the seasoned lawmaker and his team distributed essential support to 2,297 residents during the relief activity held at the SB Park in Batasan Hills, including snacks, shirts, fans, and vitamins. Some beneficiaries also received basketballs and volleyballs. Financial assistance was likewise distributed to qualified beneficiaries to help address their immediate needs.
The seasoned lawmaker also recognized the importance of cooperation between local government officials and national agencies in ensuring that aid reaches vulnerable sectors efficiently and without delay.
To recall, on May 4 this year, the Senate approved Senate Bill No. 1966, or the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Bill, on second reading. The proposed measure seeks to institutionalize the AICS program and make assistance more consistent, efficient, and readily available, particularly for vulnerable sectors during times of crisis.
As both author and co-sponsor of the bill, the senator underscored that making AICS a permanent program would strengthen the government’s capacity to respond swiftly and compassionately. He also stressed the importance of preventing its misuse for political gain.
Go also highlighted his continuing health initiatives aimed at bringing government medical services closer to ordinary Filipinos. He cited the Malasakit Centers program, ensuring that patients can easily access medical assistance without additional financial burden.
Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, also known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized Malasakit Centers nationwide.
Malasakit Centers serve as one-stop shops for medical assistance programs. To date, 167 Malasakit Centers are operating nationwide with more than 17 million Filipinos benefiting from this initiative.
Go likewise emphasized the importance of Super Health Centers, which are designed to decongest hospitals by bringing primary healthcare services closer to communities, especially in underserved and rural areas. These centers provide basic consultations, laboratory services, and early disease detection.
“Lagi ko pong uunahin ang mga programa na makakatulong sa mga Pilipino.”
“Lagi ko pong uunahin ang mga programa na makakatulong sa mga Pilipino. Mga kababayan ko, patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” he concluded.
