Bong Go honored as adopted son of Pontevedra, as he provides aid and support to struggling sectors

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go visited Pontevedra, Negros Occidental on Saturday, October 19, to extend aid and support to indigent residents from various sectors. These efforts are part of the senator’s commitment to uplift the lives of Filipinos in need, especially during these challenging times.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions and dedication to public service, Go was declared a distinguished “adopted son” of Pontevedra. The Sangguniang Bayan passed Resolution No. 2024-040 during their regular session held at the Legislative Building on May 6, 2024.

The resolution acknowledges Go’s consistent advocacy for the welfare and progress of Pontevedra. Among these are key projects in health and infrastructure, which have not only provided immediate relief but have also laid the foundation for long-term development in the area.

Go was also the subject of a second resolution from Pontevedra. In their regular session held on October 14, 2024, the Sangguniang Bayan passed Resolution No. 2024-088, which expressed the town’s collective gratitude for the numerous projects implemented through the senator’s office.

The resolution specifically acknowledged the road construction projects that have significantly improved transportation access within the municipality. These infrastructure developments have not only enhanced mobility for residents but also boosted local trade and contributed to the overall economic growth of Pontevedra. The improved road networks are seen as a vital component of the town’s progress.

Additionally, the resolution highlighted Go’s timely assistance to victims of past typhoons, which brought much-needed relief to families severely affected by natural disasters. Through his office’s intervention, these families were able to receive support to rebuild their lives, underscoring Go’s commitment to helping communities recover from the devastating impact of calamities.

Moreover, the resolution recognized the hospitalization and medical assistance programs initiated through Go, which have greatly benefited Pontevedra’s indigent residents. These programs have provided access to essential healthcare services, easing the financial burden of medical treatments and hospitalization for those most in need.

Go expressed his deep appreciation to the people of Pontevedra: “Malaking karangalan para sa akin na tanggapin ang pagkilala bilang isang adopted son ng inyong bayan. Asahan po ninyo na ako ay laging handang magsilbi sa abot ng aking makakaya, lalo na sa mga programang magpapabuti sa inyong kalusugan at kabuhayan.”

The honor bestowed upon Go underscores his enduring commitment to the region, further amplified by his direct actions during his visit. The senator personally led a relief operation at the Pontevedra Municipal Gym, where he and his Malasakit Team assisted 346 beneficiaries.

The distribution of essential items, including grocery packs, vitamins, masks, shirts, snacks, fans, and sports equipment like basketballs and volleyballs, aimed to address both the immediate needs and the well-being of the recipients. Select beneficiaries also received additional assistance, such as bicycles, mobile phones, shoes, and watches.

Meanwhile, Go, in partnership with the local government of Pontevedra, provided financial support to help ease the burden on indigent families.

Go acknowledged Congresswoman Juliet Ferrer, Governor Bong Lacson, Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, Board Member Joben Alonso, Pontevedra Mayor Jose Maria Alonso and Vice Mayor Jimmy Gavan, among others.

Continuing his remarks, as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go encouraged residents with medical concerns to visit the Malasakit Center at Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City.

Malasakit Centers bring together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. These one-stop shops aim to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount.

Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program.

As of now, 166 Malasakit Centers are operational across the country, poised to assist with patients’ medical expenses. The DOH reports that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to more than 15 million Filipinos.

As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also championed infrastructure projects aimed at improving public services in the province. This includes the construction of a revetment, multi-purpose public facilities, and road maintenance efforts in Bacolod City, as well as the concreting of roads and the building of multi-purpose structures in towns like Don Salvador Benedicto, Calatrava, and Himamaylan City. Furthermore, he supported the establishment of an infectious diseases wing at the Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City.

Go also co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11564, which established the Bacolod City General Hospital. This law, signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2021, underscores Go’s relentless efforts to enhance healthcare services across the country.

Before concluding his speech, Go reiterated his lifelong commitment to serving the Filipino people: “Ang inyo pong Senador Kuya Bong Go, kasama ng mga lingkod bayan na narito, patuloy po akong magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil ako po ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo po ‘yan sa Diyos.”

On the same day, Go also conducted site inspections for the new Super Health Centers in La Castellana and Moises Padilla, where he once again provided aid to the towns’ impoverished residents. His visit culminated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a road project in Pontevedra, another initiative that Go supported.*