The Vice Mayor's League of the Philippines gathered in an assembly, bringing together vice mayors from various regions of the country. The meeting aimed to discuss vital issues and strategies to enhance the lives of Filipinos at the local level. Go commended the hard work and dedication of the vice mayors in their respective municipalities. He acknowledged the challenges they face daily while striving to improve the lives of their constituents. He emphasized that despite holding different positions in the government, they all share a common mission – to serve the Filipino people with dedication and compassion.
“Our nation continues to face challenges, but with your steadfast commitment and strong leadership, we have made remarkable progress in enhancing local governance, improving public services, and fostering sustainable development. I am proud of the strides we have taken together to make our municipalities vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking,” Go said in his video message.
He then recognized the importance of fostering a strong partnership between national and local government officials, stressing that their collaborative efforts would result in more effective governance and improved public services.
“I am confident that through our united efforts, we can continue to uplift the lives of our constituents and create lasting positive change. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to public service, embodying the ideals of integrity, compassion, and innovation,” the senator stressed.
“Kung may maitutulong po sa inyong lungsod o bayan, lapitan niyo lang ang aking opisina at tutulong ako sa abot ng aking makakaya. Magkakaiba man tayo ng posisyon pero pare-parehas tayong mga lingkod-bayan. Kaya alam ko na pare-parehas lang din tayo ng hangarin na mabigyan ng magandang kinabukasan ang ating mga kababayan,” he added.
For his part as a lawmaker and in his pursuit of modernizing government operations and making public services more accessible, Go has filed Senate Bill 194, aptly titled the E-Governance Act. The bill aims to establish an integrated and interconnected information and resource-sharing and communications network that spans national and local governments.
If enacted into law, it shall mandate the creation of an internal records management information system, an information database, and digital portals for the delivery of public services. The utilization of digital platforms and online systems streamlines administrative processes, simplifies public service delivery, and improves citizen engagement.
“Government should always be responsive to the demands of changing times. It is for this reason that I filed the proposed E-Governance Act. Ito ay para mabawasan ang red tape, maiwasan ang korapsyon at inefficiency sa ating burokrasya, at mailapit sa tao ang serbisyo ng gobyerno sa mabilis, maayos at maaasahang paraan gamit ang teknolohiyang meron tayo ngayon,” he explained.
Moreover, Go as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, emphasized the importance of bringing public health services closer to communities through the help of local government units.
Go initiated the Malasakit Centers program after he personally witnessed the struggles of disadvantaged Filipinos in settling their hospital bills. He successfully pushed for the passage of RA 11463, which he principally sponsored and authored in 2019.
The center is home to concerned agencies mandated to provide patients with medical assistance, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. There are now 158 Malasakit Centers nationwide which have benefited over seven million patients so far according to DOH.
Moreover, through Go’s collaboration with the DOH and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds have been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 Super Health Centers in 2023. DOH, as the lead implementing agency, identifies strategic areas where these centers will be built.
“Ito ay isang malaking hakbang para mapalapit ang gobyerno sa mga Pilipino, lalo na sa mga nangangailangan ng serbisyong medikal. Sa pamamagitan ng Super Health Center, magiging accessible sa inyong komunidad ang primary care, free consultation at early detection ng sakit para maiwasang lumubha pa ito,” he shared.
Super Health Centers offer database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray and ultrasound), pharmacy and ambulatory surgical unit.
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go
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