Senator Christopher “Bong” Go highlighted the expansion of healthcare services in Quezon Province as he joined the Philippine Councilors League-Quezon First Provincial Assembly at FarmKo Glamping on Thursday, July 9.
Speaking before local legislators from across the province, Go reaffirmed his commitment to bringing essential government services closer to communities and commended councilors for their role in delivering responsive and people-centered governance.
“Itong pagseserbisyo po ay dapat mula sa puso. Ang laki ng respeto ko sa ating mga konsehal sa buong Pilipinas. You are superstars in your own rights. Pareho po tayo ng trabaho. Ang trabaho po natin ay legislation, constituency, at representation. Dapat bukas po ang ating opisina para sa lahat ng ating kababayan… tutulong po ako sa abot ng aking makakaya,” Go said.
Go also thanked Quezon residents for their support in the elections.
“Maraming salamat at ginawa niyo akong number six sa buong probinsya ng Quezon, number three sa Dolores, at number one sa buong Pilipinas… Ang bilis po ng panahon, nasa second term na po ako ng aking term,” he said.
The senator recalled his previous engagements with the PCL Quezon Chapter, including its convention in April 2023 and a later visit by some councilors to Davao.
“Ako naman po’y magtatrabaho sa abot ng aking makakaya. Ang ilan po sa inyo dito ay nakasama ko noong April 2023, naimbitahan niyo ako sa inyong PCL Convention at ang iba ay napasyal ko pa sa Davao,” he said.
During the event, Go recognized the officers of the PCL Quezon Chapter led by its president, Candelaria Board Member Aileen Malabanan-Dellosa.
He also acknowledged Vice President and Tagkawayan Councilor Roberto De Vero, Secretary and Mulanay Councilor Alexander Morales, Treasurer and Tiaong Councilor Eugene Lopez, Auditor and Lopez Councilor Rosemarie Olanda, Public Relations Officer and Sariaya Councilor Vince Alcala, and Business Manager and Gumaca Councilor Elchor Caralian.
Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, highlighted the establishment of a regional specialty center at the Southern Luzon Multi-Specialty Medical Center in Tayabas City.
The facility is among the specialty centers being developed under Republic Act No. 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which Go principally sponsored and co-authored in the Senate. He also attended the project’s groundbreaking ceremony on March 5, 2024.
Go also cited Republic Act No. 11474, which he principally sponsored, upgrading the Maria L. Eleazar District Hospital in Tagkawayan into a Level III general hospital now known as the Maria L. Eleazar General Hospital.
He also pointed to Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act, which he principally authored and sponsored to make government medical assistance more accessible, particularly for indigent patients.
There are currently 167 Malasakit Centers nationwide, including those at the Quezon Medical Center in Lucena City and the Maria L. Eleazar General Hospital in Tagkawayan.
According to Department of Health figures cited by Go, more than 17 million Filipinos have benefited from the program.
Go also reaffirmed his push for measures aimed at strengthening local governance and providing greater support to barangay officials and frontline workers.
Among these is Republic Act No. 11466, which he authored and co-sponsored. The law provides salary adjustments for government personnel, including public healthcare workers.
He also filed Senate Bill No. 197, which seeks to grant barangay officials benefits similar to those received by regular government employees.
“Huwag po kayong mag-atubiling lumapit sa akin anumang oras dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” Go said.