Senator Bong Go expressed his gratitude after being named among the distinguished awardees of the Duyan Ka ng Magiting Awards 2026.
Go was one of the “Natatanging Pilipino sa Larangan ng Paglilingkod sa Tao at sa Bayan” awardees given by the Gawad Pilipino held in celebration of Philippine Independence Day at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Commissioned Officers Club House, Tejeros Hall, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Represented at the ceremony by former Congressman Undersecretary Aniceto “John” Bertiz III, the veteran legislator conveyed his appreciation for the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to continue serving the Filipino people, particularly the poor and marginalized sectors of society.
“This award is not just a reflection of my journey, but also of the people we have chosen to serve.”
“This award is not just a reflection of my journey, but also of the people we have chosen to serve—the ordinary Filipinos whose lives we strive to uplift every single day,” the seasoned lawmaker said in his message.
“Our vision has always been clear: public service must be felt by the people, especially those who need it most.”
The Duyan ka ng Magiting Awards honors individuals whose dedication, excellence, and service have contributed to uplifting communities, strengthening institutions, and inspiring patriotism and national pride.
The senator was recognized for his sustained efforts to bring essential government services closer to grassroots communities. The award highlights his long-standing advocacy of compassionate and responsive governance through programs designed to directly address the needs of underserved Filipinos.
A cornerstone of Go’s public service initiatives is the Malasakit Center program, which streamlines access to medical assistance in government hospitals. As principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, he institutionalized a one-stop shop where indigent patients can conveniently seek medical assistance from the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
In his message, Go also emphasized his grassroots-driven approach to governance.
“From the establishment of Malasakit Centers, to championing Super Health Centers, to supporting programs that steer our youth away from drugs and criminality through sports, our vision has always been clear: public service must be felt by the people, especially those who need it most,” he stated.
Go likewise underscored the role of sports in nation-building and youth development. As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, he has consistently advocated for programs and infrastructure projects that promote athletic excellence while providing young Filipinos with positive opportunities and productive alternatives to illegal drugs and other harmful activities.
Go also reiterated his personal philosophy in public service.
“With or without an award, patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa mga kababayan nating Pilipino dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo, at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao, ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” he said.
Go then said the recognition further inspires him to strengthen programs and policies that improve the lives of ordinary Filipinos.
“This award is more than a recognition—it is a reminder that there is still much work to be done. Rest assured that I will remain steadfast in promoting pro-poor programs, crafting policies that protect the vulnerable, and supporting initiatives that empower every Filipino to live with dignity and hope,” he concluded.
