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House leaves Quiboloy’s fate to Senate
The House of Representatives will no longer pursue and implement the warrant of arrest it issued against pastor Apollo Quiboloy after it approved on final reading the bill revoking the franchise of the evangelist’s alleged TV network......»»
Go inspects Bacolod Super Health Center
Sen. Bong Go, chairperson of the Senate committee on health and demography, inspected a Super Health Center in Bacolod City on Sunday......»»
At UN event, women activists want Palestine free
Women activists gathered in front of the United Nations Headquarters in New York City on March 21, 2024 to express their support for Palestine. The post At UN event, women activists want Palestine free appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Medical marijuana bill reaches Senate plenary
The bill seeking to legalize medical marijuana in the Philippines has reached the Senate plenary, the first time in the history of the upper chamber, according to a cannabis lawyer......»»
Bong Go recognizes barangay health workers’ role in community development
Following his visit to Babak District the previous day, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and a staunch advocate of community development, attended another Provincial Health Information Management System Orientation in the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte on Wednesday, 25 October. The said program aims to enhance healthcare delivery, streamline information flow, and ensure that citizens across the region have access to quality health services. Go personally accorded recognition to Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) for their efforts to promote the health and well-being of their constituents. He also noted that BHWs are the backbone of healthcare in the country, acting as the first line of defense in ensuring the welfare of their respective communities. "Bilang isang senador gusto kong pasalamatan ang ating mga barangay health workers. Hindi natin mararating ito ngayon kung hindi dahil sa inyong sakripisyo na magserbisyo. Dapat kayo ang pasalamatan ngayong araw. Palakpakan natin ang ating mga barangay health workers,” expressed Go. “Sa totoo lang sa panahon ng pandemya nahirapan talaga tayo. Pero (dahil) sa inyong pagtutulungan at pagserbisyo sa mamamayan, nalampasan natin ito. Hindi tayo makapag-gather ngayon o makapagtipon kung hindi dahil sa inyo. Ganito man ang inyong trabaho, nakita ko ang importansya at kung anong serbisyo para sa ating mga kababayan lalo na sa barangay level ang iniaambag ninyo,” he continued. During the event, Go was also joined by Councilor Sonny Lanorias, BHW City Coordinator Christine Enriquez Lara, BHW District Federation President Alicia Sastrillas, and District Coordinator Arlene Pacquaio, among others. The senator also extended assistance to around 200 BHWs present, such as gift packs, masks, vitamins, shirts, meals, and balls for basketball and volleyball. He also gave away bicycles, mobile phones, shoes, and watches to select recipients. He also extended similar assistance to the 201 BHWs who attended the previous day. On October 23, around 250 BHWs were also given similar assistance by his staff. Continuing his message, Go pledged his commitment to working with the local government to ensure that BHWs receive proper training, resources, and compensation. The lawmaker outlined his legislative initiatives, specifically on two key bills: Senate Bill No. (SBN) 197 or the proposed Magna Carta for Barangays, and SBN 427, or the Barangay Health Workers Compensation Bill. The proposed Magna Carta for Barangays aims to bolster support for barangays, enabling them to effectively carry out their responsibilities. This measure proposes that barangay officials, including the Punong Barangay, members of the Sangguniang Barangay, the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson, the barangay secretary, and the barangay treasurer, be accorded treatment similar to that of regular government employees. If this bill becomes law, it will entitle them to salaries, benefits, allowances, and other related perks. On the other hand, SBN 427 proposed granting BHWs a monthly honorarium, coupled with other benefits encompassing allowances, job security, consistent training, and opportunities for skill development. Furthermore, the bill extends these benefits to encompass support from institutions like the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Pag-IBIG Fund. “Na-hearing na po ito sa sub-committee on Health sa pangunguna ni Senator JV (Ejercito) at mayroon pang mga susunod na committee hearings at papakinggan po ang mga LGUs syempre, unang-una rito ‘yung kakayahan po nilang magbigay ng kompensasyon,” shared Go in an interview after his visit to Kapalong on October 24. “Ito pong bill na ito kung saan po ay magkakaroon sila ng mga karagdagang benepisyo… Kung sakaling maisabatas magkakaroon po sila ng monthly honorarium. Kasama na diyan ang job security, regular trainings, skill development opportunities, along with a potential to acquire civil service eligibility,” he continued. Furthermore, Go also referenced SBN 2399, a proposal aimed at declaring April 7 as Barangay Health and Nutrition Workers (BHNW) Day. This initiative acknowledges the pivotal role played by BHNWs in the delivery of primary healthcare services within communities. Go has reaffirmed his dedication to enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality. This commitment is manifested through his backing of the continued operations of Malasakit Centers, the construction of Super Health Centers, and the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers across the nation. A brainchild of Go, the Malasakit Centers program is designed to help ensure that particularly poor and indigent patients have convenient access to the medical assistance programs offered by partnered agencies. This was institutionalized in 2019 through the passage of RA 11463, which was principally authored and sponsored by Go. Currently, 159 operational Malasakit centers have assisted more than seven million Filipinos nationwide, according to the Department of Health (DOH). The senator was likewise instrumental in pushing for adequate funding to ensure that more Super Health Centers are established across the country. Some 307 Super Health Centers were funded in 2022 and 322 more in 2023, through the initiative of Go, DOH, local government units (LGUs), and fellow lawmakers. The Super Health Centers will offer a range of healthcare services, including database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine, through which remote diagnosis and treatment of patients are made possible. Moreover, the senator is the principal sponsor and one of the authors of Republic Act 11959 or the Regional Specialty Centers Act. The said law mandates the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. During the previous day, Go also visited Davao del Norte to participate in the blessing and turnover of a multipurpose building in the Municipality of Kapalong. This project was funded with Go's support as vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance. He also inspected Balay ni Maria, a facility completed in 2020, and another project he supported the funding of. This infrastructure served as an isolation center during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The post Bong Go recognizes barangay health workers’ role in community development appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go assists Talitay displaced workers
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, in coordination with Mayor Sidik Amiril, provided assistance to residents of the Municipality of Talitay, Maguindanao del Norte on Monday, 23 October. Go’s outreach staff joined a distribution activity at the Talitay-covered court and provided snacks, masks, and vitamins to 268 indigents, particularly displaced workers. They also gave away shirts, balls for basketball and volleyball, a mobile phone, and shoes to select recipients. The beneficiaries also qualified for livelihood support from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) after they have completed DOLE’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program. "Patuloy po tayong magtulungan upang mas mapabuti pa ang kalagayan ng ating mga disadvantaged at displaced workers. Magkasama tayo sa layuning ito na makabuo ng mas maginhawa at mas matatag na lipunan para sa lahat ng Pilipino," he said. To ensure that those who reside in rural areas lacking job opportunities are taken care of, Go also filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 420, which seeks to offer temporary employment to eligible members of low-income rural households who are ready to perform unskilled physical labor for a period of time if enacted into law. Meanwhile, Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, shared his continuing efforts to bring government health services closer to Filipinos. He encouraged the beneficiaries to make use of the Malasakit Centers if they are in need of assistance in settling their hospital bills. “Kung mayroon po kayong karamdaman, halimbawa masakit ang dibdib ninyo, at kailangan n’yo pong magpaospital at kailangan n’yo pong magpaopera sa Davao o sa Maynila sa Philippine Heart Center, magsabi lang po kayo. Tutulungan ho namin kayong magpaopera, pati pamasahe po ninyo tutulungan ho namin kayo,” Go said. Within Maguindanao del Norte, Malasakit Centers are housed in Sanitarium Hospital in Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato Regional and Medical Center in Cotabato City. Residents of Maguindanao del Sur can access the Malasakit Center at Maguindanao Provincial Hospital in Shariff Aguak. “Ang target po ng Malasakit Center ay ma-cover ang inyong billing. Kaya huwag po kayong mahihiyang lumapit sa Malasakit Center dahil para po yan sa inyo, mga kababayan kong Pilipino. At ngayon po, meron na po tayong 159 na Malasakit Centers sa buong Pilipinas na handang tumulong po sa inyo,” he said. As a one-stop shop where poor and indigent patients can access government medical assistance, the Malasakit Center was initiated by Go in 2018 and institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463 in 2019, a legislation he principally sponsored and authored. The center is home to various agencies including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), ensuring accessibility to medical assistance programs. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, has also supported several projects in the province, including the construction of public markets in Buldon and Matanog; and the construction of a multipurpose building in Matanog. The post Bong Go assists Talitay displaced workers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go emphasizes importance of tech-voc in community dev’t
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go expressed his strong support and commendation for the 150 scholars currently enrolled in the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) program in Daet, Camarines Norte. The educational venture was initiated in collaboration with the Philippine Academy of Technical Studies, Inc. (PATS). As part of his support, Go provided them with masks, pens, and shirts on Friday, 20 October, at the MT2 Events Place in Daet, Camarines Norte. Select beneficiaries also received shoes, a cell phone, and balls for basketball and volleyball. In a video message, Go underscored the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the country. He said TVET aims to bridge the skills gap and ensure that all Filipinos, regardless of their economic background, have the opportunity to gain relevant and in-demand skills that will allow them to secure gainful employment and contribute to the country's overall economic growth. “The skills and knowledge you have acquired here will be your foundation for success in your chosen field,” said Go. “Your dedication, hard work, and determination have truly paid off, and you stand as shining examples of the power of education and skill development. Through your commitment, you have not only enhanced your own capabilities but also contributed to the growth and progress of our nation,” he added. Go also filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2115, which aims to institutionalize TVET as well as livelihood programs for rehabilitated drug dependents. The bill aims to provide skills training to enhance the employability of former drug dependents and allow them to rebuild their lives and contribute to their communities. “Rehabilitation alone is not enough. By institutionalizing technical-vocational education and training programs, we empower rehabilitated drug dependents with skills for a better future," he said. Meanwhile, as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go encouraged those with health concerns to seek the services of the Malasakit Center at the Camarines Norte Provincial Hospital in Daet. Institutionalized in 2019 under Republic Act No. 11463, which Go principally authored and sponsored, the Malasakit Center serves as a one-stop shop aimed at helping indigent patients minimize their medical expenses to the lowest amount possible by collaborating with various agencies offering medical assistance programs. “Sa mga pasyente, lapitan niyo lang ang Malasakit Center dahil para ‘to sa inyo. Kung may hospital bill kayo, nandiyan ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno na tutulong para mabayaran ito,” said Go. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, has pushed for various projects in Camarines Norte, including the construction of a flood control structure for the Mabulao River in Daet, and a multi-purpose building for the Camarines Norte State College, among others. The post Bong Go emphasizes importance of tech-voc in community dev’t appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Advancing OFWs’ welfare, protecting Filipinos abroad
Overseas Filipino Workers, or OFWs, are indeed modern-day heroes. They help boost our economy, but more importantly, they help uplift the lives of their families to give them a better future and also showcase Filipinos' talents, skills, and work ethic to the world. I was in London, United Kingdom last week for an official trip upon the invitation of the British Group Inter-Parliament Union. Led by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and co-head of delegation Senator Grace Poe, we embarked on several meetings aimed at strengthening relations of the Philippine Senate with our counterparts in the UK parliament to exchange best practices in policymaking while enhancing bilateral relations, fostering economic security, exploring areas of cooperation between the two countries, and promoting the welfare of Filipinos working there. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, I also expressed my gratitude to the UK for donating vaccines during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. Moreover, we thanked them for other development assistance extended by the UK to the Philippines and for their help in strengthening the Bangsamoro Region. As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, I also maximized the visit to highlight efforts in promoting the welfare of more than 200,000 OFWs in the UK, particularly the more or less 40,000 Filipino nurses working there. We were able to raise to the UK policymakers the concerns of Filipino nurses regarding their rights to proper benefits, just compensation, and a safe working environment. We should be proud of Filipino medical frontliners in the UK, particularly nurses who are among the world’s finest. Take, for example, May Parsons, a Filipina-British nurse who became known globally for administering the first COVID-19 vaccine outside of a clinical trial and receiving the UK's George Cross Award. I have co-sponsored a Senate resolution earlier recognizing and commending her achievement. After our official meetings, I met with a group of OFWs, some of them were fellow Dabawenyos, Filipino Muslims, Ilonggos, and Ilocanos, among others. The stories they shared were proof of how resilient our OFWs are. Despite their sacrifices, homesickness, and worries about their families in their hometowns, they maintain their cheerfulness and positive outlook. I brought some good news to our OFWs by informing them about the establishment of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) through Republic Act No. 11641, a legislation for which I am proud to be one of the authors and co-sponsors in the Senate. This measure streamlines the organization and functions of all government agencies related to overseas employment and migration to better address the needs and concerns of migrant workers. I have also filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2297 to institutionalize the OFW Hospital and ensure its continuous operation in San Fernando City, Pampanga, primarily intended for OFWs and eligible dependents. More importantly, a Malasakit Center is operational there to help reduce their out-of-pocket expenses. The establishment of the DMW, the OFW Hospital, and its own Malasakit Center are just a few of our dreams that are now realities for Filipinos to benefit from. These are testaments of our commitment to promote the welfare of migrant workers and their dependents. However, we acknowledge that there is more work to be done. That is why we continue to listen to their concerns, serve them to the best of our abilities, and pursue initiatives to further their cause. I have also filed SBN 2414, which seeks to establish OFW wards in Department of Health (DOH) hospitals if enacted into law. While our efforts continue to safeguard the welfare of Filipinos abroad, our commitment to serve Filipinos facing challenges in their communities remains unwavering. This week, we had groundbreaking ceremonies for Super Health Centers in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte; Brgy. Labangon in Cebu City; Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur; and in Tigbauan, Iloilo. Through the collective efforts of DOH, LGUs, and fellow lawmakers, we continue to advocate for establishing more community health facilities to help bring public health services closer to those needing medical attention. We have also assisted 1,000 indigents in Llanera, Nueva Ecija, with the office of Cong. Jose Padiernos; 500 members from various sectors in Barangay Mintal, Davao City; 1,900 in Caloocan City, with the office of Congresswoman Mitch Cajayon-Uy. In Cebu City, we also distributed aid to 1,700 residents of the South District with Congressman Edu Rama; 450 in Nagcarlan, Laguna, with Mayor Elmor Vita and Councilor Rey Comendador; and 333 in Pulupandan, Negros Occidental, in collaboration with the Malasakit@Bayanihan group. We also aided 1,000 United Senior Citizens Association members of Quezon City, with Congresswoman Mila Magsaysay, Senator Robin Padilla, and private sector volunteer organizations. My office also extended additional aid to 93 displaced workers in Lumban, Laguna; 210 in Pilar; 217 in Carmen and Batuan in Bohol. DOLE also gave qualified beneficiaries temporary employment. We also supported 200 scholars during their TESDA Orientation in Daet, Camarines Norte. There are also 43 residents of Davao City and nine in La Paz, Agusan del Sur, who were victims of fires and 32 victims of flooding in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat. They were provided separate assistance and the livelihood kits they received through the DTI program, which we advocated for before and continue to support. We also supported 283 victims of past fires in Cagayan de Oro City by giving separate aid in addition to the emergency housing assistance received from the NHA through a program we pushed for so that they could buy materials like nails, roofing, and other necessities for home repairs. My office also provided immediate help to victims of recent fires, such as 50 families in Baseco, Manila City, and 11 families in Brgy. Alabang, Muntinlupa City. No one is exempt from facing life’s hardships. However, our OFWs have shown us how resilient Filipinos can be. Let us learn from them and, more importantly, do our part in uplifting their lives by advocating for their welfare, promoting their rights, protecting their families, and providing the genuine public service they deserve. The post Advancing OFWs’ welfare, protecting Filipinos abroad appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CdO fire victims get Go aid
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go assisted 283 recovering fire victims at the Cagayan de Oro City Hall Ground Quadrangle last Thursday, 19 October. Go’s team provided the beneficiaries with shirts, masks, vitamins, snacks and balls for basketball and volleyball. There is also a select recipient of a pair of shoes from the senator. In coordination with the National Housing Authority, through its Emergency Housing Assistance Program which Go advocated for and continues to support, the beneficiaries also received financial assistance for housing materials. Go cited his filed Senate Bill 193, or the proposed Mandatory Evacuation Center Act, which aims to ensure the availability of permanent, safe, and well-equipped evacuation centers in every city, municipality, and province across the country. Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, encouraged those with medical concerns to visit the Malasakit Centers located at Northern Mindanao Medical Center and J.R. Borja General Hospital in the city. Signed into law in 2019, the Malasakit Centers Act, which was principally authored and sponsored by Go, institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program to ensure that indigent patients have convenient access to medical assistance programs offered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Meanwhile, Go reiterated his commitment to support the establishment of more Super Health Centers across the country, considering how they can significantly help reduce hospital occupancy rates while bringing basic medical services closer to the grassroots. In Misamis Oriental, necessary funds were allocated to construct Super Health Centers in Gingoog City, Binuangan, Libertad, Balingasag, Claveria, Initao and Tagoloan. There will also be six other Super Health Centers in Cagayan de Oro City. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds have been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where these will be constructed. On Wednesday, 18 October, Cebu City held a groundbreaking for the city’s new Super Health Center in Barangay Labangon as part of the local and national government’s commitment to make healthcare more accessible to its residents. For his part, Go emphasized the importance of providing vital healthcare services, especially in remote and underprivileged communities, and underscored the suitability of Super Health Centers in addressing their basic healthcare needs. Go lauded how the Malasakit Center stood as a pillar of support as it paved the way for life-saving heart surgery for 29-year-old Mohammad Abdelrashid Juhuri, a devoted teacher from Maimbung, Sulu. Mohammad’s life took an unexpected turn in 2017 when a diagnosis of congenital heart disease threatened his dream of becoming a mechanical engineer. The heart ailment was not a mere medical diagnosis but a life-changer. Also Wednesday, Go’s outreach team conducted a relief operation for various sectoral groups at the Brgy. Mintal Gymnasium in Davao City. Go’s team distributed masks, vitamins, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball to 500 beneficiaries. They also gave away shoes, watch, and mobile phone to select recipients. The post CdO fire victims get Go aid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go assists displaced workers in Bohol
In a video message conveyed during his team's visit to Carmen and Batuan, Bohol, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed his steadfast commitment to advocate for more pro-poor initiatives and bolster support measures, aiming for a more inclusive economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises. "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 executive," said Go. "Kung merong isusulong na programa o batas, suportado ko po ito basta po makakatulong sa mahihirap at hindi mapunta sa korapsyon ang pera," he added. Go's team, in collaboration with Board Member Nathaniel Binlod, distributed shirts, snacks, and balls for basketball and volleyball to 548 displaced workers gathered at the Carmen Gym on Monday, 16 October. The recipients were also eligible to receive benefits from the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program. “Patuloy tayong magbigay ng oportunidad at pag-asa sa mga manggagawang Pilipino na nawalan ng trabaho o kabuhayan dahil sa mga pagsubok na hinaharap natin. Sa pamamagitan ng ganitong mga programa, marami sa ating mga kababayan ang mabibigyan ng pagkakataon na magkaroon ng pansamantalang trabaho at kumita ng maayos para sa kanilang pamilya,” Go stressed. In his commitment to promoting inclusive economic recovery, Go has underscored the significance of safeguarding the welfare of all sectors, with particular attention to those residing in rural areas. He introduced Senate Bill No. (SBN) 420 which seeks to institutionalize a framework for offering temporary employment to eligible members of underprivileged households in rural regions. If enacted into law, the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) would be established within DOLE. REAP's primary goal is to furnish temporary job prospects to individuals who meet the criteria of being economically disadvantaged, impoverished, displaced, or seasonal workers. Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, then offered medical assistance to the beneficiaries. He advised them to avail of the services of any of the two Malasakit Centers in the province where they may conveniently avail of medical assistance programs offered by the government. In Bohol, the Malasakit Centers are located at Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital (GCGMH) in Tagbilaran City and at Don Emilio Del Valle Memorial Hospital in Ubay. Malasakit Centers bring together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). 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. Currently, there are 159 Malasakit Centers across the country, poised to assist with patients' medical expenses. The DOH reported that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to more than seven million Filipinos. “Sa mga pasyente, lapitan niyo lang ang Malasakit Center dahil para ‘to sa inyo. Kung may hospital bill kayo, nandiyan ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno na tutulong para mabayaran ito,” said Go. Go further highlighted that his advocacy to enhance the healthcare sector includes the establishment of Super Health Centers at strategic locations nationwide. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds have been allocated under the Health Facilities Enhancement Program of DOH for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. In Bohol, necessary funds have been allocated to construct Super Health Centers in Buenavista, Candijay, Dauis, Sagbayan, Talibon, Antequera, Balilihan, Bien Unido, Carmen, Panglao, Tagbilaran City, and Ubay. Super Health Centers are designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early detection, further strengthening the healthcare sector in the country, especially in grassroots communities. As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, he also supported several projects in Bohol, such as the construction of multipurpose buildings in Alicia, Anda, Balilihan, Batuan, Buenavista, Danao, Dimiao, Duero, Garcia Hernandez, Guindulman, Loay, Loon, and Valencia; improvement of evacuation centers in Panglao, Anda, Balilihan, Carmen, Corella, Garcia-Hernandez and Valencia; installation of a water system in President Carlos P. Garcia; construction of the municipal slaughterhouse in Inabanga; and the acquisition and installation of solar-powered street lights in Getafe. Go, also principally sponsored the passage of RA 11883 which converts GCGMH to Governor Celestino Gallares Multi-Specialty Medical Complex. The post Bong Go assists displaced workers in Bohol appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Malasakit Centers: Haven for poor Pinoys
Amid prevailing financial hardships particularly among poor Filipinos, the pivotal role of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s Malasakit Centers comes to fore through the compelling narrative of 23-year-old Wally Bernardo of Cavite. A small baking business, which Wally runs with his partner, helps cover his dialysis expenses. His ordeal started in 2017 when a nagging backache unveiled an unsettling reality — a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease secondary to arthritis. Initially misdiagnosed with high blood pressure, he soon found himself restricted to the regular hum of dialysis machines, a routine that escalated from three times a week to an excruciating 12 times a week, as his condition worsened. As Wally’s medical bills soared, he sought intervention from a Malasakit Center, which led to a much-needed relief for his dire financial situation. Recounting the day his relatives approached the center, Wally said, After that we approached the social health service as I knew there was Malasakit here.” “My relatives went there and gave us our bill. It was processed at about noon. In the afternoon we were already discharged.” The indelible mark of gratitude is apparent in Wally’s words, “Thank you to Senator Bong Go, to his staff. We are really grateful for his help, in giving us a guarantee letter, in assuring those who have not much finances.” As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go persistently encouraged the public to avail themselves of the medical and financial assistance offered by the Malasakit Centers. Malasakit Centers bring together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. These one-stop shops aim to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount. The Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, or Republic Act 11463, principally authored and sponsored by Go, has so far facilitated the establishment of 159 operational Malasakit Centers across the country. Meanwhile, Go’s outreach team, together with Mayor Elmor Vita and Councilor Rey Comendador, conducted a relief operation at the municipal gymnasium in Nagcarlan, Laguna last Tuesday, 17 October. Go provided masks, vitamins, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball for 450 market vendors. He also gave away shoes, and mobile phones to select recipients. The post Malasakit Centers: Haven for poor Pinoys appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go honors educators as modern-day heroes on Teachers’ Day
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Basic Education and adopted son of the CALABARZON region, personally attended the celebration of Teachers’ Day at the Ynares Sports Complex in Antipolo City, Rizal on Thursday, 5 October. “Alam n’yo ang dapat po nating pasalamatan ngayong araw na ito at bigyan po ng pagpupugay ay ang atin pong mga teachers. Alam n’yo bakit? Kayo po ang isa sa mga hero po ng pandemya. Noong panahon ng pandemya, panahon po iyon na nag-a-adjust po kayo sa distance learning hanggang pabalik sa face-to-face learning,” Go said as he emphasized the pivotal role of teachers in shaping the nation's future. “Napakalaki po ng challenges na pinagdaanan n’yo. Palakpakan po natin ang ating mga guro. Hindi po natin mararating ito kung hindi po dahil rin po sa inyong sakripisyo. Alam ko ‘yan. Sa tatlong taon po na nilabanan natin ‘yung pandemya, kami ni (dating) pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte, nandiriyan po kayo,” he continued. The event was also attended by Governor Nina Ricci Ynares, Mayor Casimiro “Jun” Ynares, and Vice Mayor Josefina Gatlabayan, among others. Mayor Ynares expressed his gratitude for Go’s continuous efforts to uplift the lives of Filipinos. “Sa araw din po na ito, I will make a confession. There is one thing that my teachers taught me which I occasionally do not follow at ito po yun: no copying. Natutunan ko later in public service na kapag may test, magandang mangopya. When one faces difficult tests in life, we can copy. Today, ipapakilala ko po ang isang fellow public servant na hindi niya alam na, quote and quote, kinokopyahan ko. Kinokopya ko po siya for two reasons: first, he has gone through many difficult tests in life; second, he is the kind of person who stands by others, who go through difficult tests in life. Sa mga pinagdaanan niya sa pagsubok ng buhay, dalawang mahahalagang qualities ang lagi kong nakikita at sinisikap na makopya. Una po ay commitment, pangalawa, compassion,” Mayor Ynares said, pertaining to Go. Furthermore, Mayor Ynares commended Go for his steadfast dedication, which serves as an inspiration for public servants and a reminder of the positive impact one can make when motivated by a genuine commitment to the public good. “Hindi po madali ang pinagdaanan ng ating panauhin. Sa panahon na siya ang umaalalay sa isa sa mga naging pangulo ng ating bansa, mula pa nang maging punong-lungsod ang taong pinaglingkuran niya sa Davao (City), hanggang ito ay maging presidente ng ating bansang Pilipinas, humarap sila sa mga panganib, sa mga batikos, sa malalaking suliranin. Sa kabila po nito, laging andun ang ating panauhin… Andun siya para umalalay, para pangalagaan at para ayusin ang landas na dadaanan ng taong pinaglilingkuran niya,” Mayor Ynares further shared. “Nakita ko rin na ang kanyang commitment ay hindi lang sa presidenteng pinaglingkuran niya. He extended his commitment to our countrymen. As he did so, the quality of commitment became the quality of compassion. Tayo pong mga Antipoleño at Rizaleño, pati na ang kapwa nating Pilipino ay naging benepisyaryo ng malasakit na yon,” he added. During the event, Go provided gift packs to 5,902 educators and non-teaching staff. He also extended shirts, bicycles, mobile phones, shoes, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients. “Sa ating mga guro, Happy Teachers month, Happy Teachers’ Day. Lubos po ang aking saludo sa ating mga guro sa araw na ito at sila po’y mga heroes rin po natin sa panahon ng pandemya,” said Go in an interview after the event. “Hindi biro maging isang guro. Dapat talaga mahaba ang iyong pasensya sa pagtuturo. At hindi po natin mararating ito, itong kinatatayuan natin ngayon. Ako mismo hindi po ako magiging senador kung hindi po dahil sa ating mga guro dahil diyan tayo nag-umpisa… Sila po ang nagturo sa atin ng mga tamang kaalaman at gabay kaya po tayo naririto na atin rin namang isini-share po sa ating mga kababayan sa ngayon,” he shared. In the Senate, Go co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1964, also known as the "Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act," which seeks to establish a system for providing teaching allowances to public school teachers. The proposed measure was approved on the third and final reading last May. In 2019, Go also authored and co-sponsored RA 11466, otherwise known as the Salary Standardization Law 5, which gives civilian government employees, including public school teachers, another round of salary increases broken down in tranches. Go likewise expressed his support for the proposed Salary Standardization Law 6, saying, “As co-sponsor and author of Salary Standardization Law 5 during the 18th Congress, sana po ay magkaroon pa ng bagong Salary Standardization Law 6. I’m one with the government in seeking to provide another increase in salaries for those working in the public sector.” Earlier, the senator also filed SBN 1190, which proposes expanding the use of the Special Education Fund, if enacted into law, to cover the operation and maintenance of public schools, payment of salaries and benefits for teaching and non-teaching personnel, and competency training for teaching personnel, among others. On the same day, Go provided assistance to indigents and inspected the San Isidro Super Health Center and the Antipolo City Hall of Justice which he supported in the past years. The post Bong Go honors educators as modern-day heroes on Teachers’ Day appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Domestic aviation rebounds this year
The local aviation industry, which was badly hit by the global health crisis, is seen to achieve full recovery this year. This was according to the International Air Transport Association in a recent forum organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines. During the Aviation Forum last week, Yuli Thompson, area manager for the IATA in Southeast Asia, said the Philippines and the rest of the Asia Pacific region’s aviation market is swiftly recovering and seeing a consistent rise in terms of growth in international and domestic travel. Thompson said passenger traffic trends for international flights in the Philippines were logged at 75 percent of 2019 levels as of June 2023. As for the Asia Pacific passenger forecast, Yuli maintained that domestic travel will fully recover in 2023, while international travel will occur sometime in 2026. Further, Asia Pacific will be seen to lead in traffic growth in the next 20 years. “However, overcoming current challenges riding on the current momentum, and meeting full recovery will require strong interventions from all players in the aviation sector,” he said. Infra investments For his part, Cebu Pacific Air chief executive officer Michael Szucs emphasized the need to invest in infrastructure, citing that “Philippine carriers will need to quadruple in size to cater to growing demand.” In her keynote speech, Secretary Grace Poe urged stakeholders to support necessary infrastructure investments, especially following the air system glitch incident earlier this year. The senator called for the acquisition of a new Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management. Poe also recommended the hiring of a third-party maintenance provider for the CNS/ATM system. “It is my hope that the government, the private sector, and other stakeholders can work together and collaborate on air transport projects which will not only generate economic growth but also provide our people with excellent and affordable public services that can improve the quality of life for all,” she said. Also filed by Poe is Senate Bill 1121 which proposes the creation of a Philippine Transportation Safety Board. Under the directive of the current Marcos administration, Department of Transportation Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Roberto Lim highlighted the government’s key priorities, including aviation safety and strengthening of learning institutions. Lim further noted the agency’s priority of strengthening the Civil Aviation Training Center and engaging with the private sector as close partners for Air Transport Skills Training and Development. “If we are able to train our air traffic controllers, we would not only meet our own requirements, but the requirements of other countries. We can develop this on an institutional basis,” said Lim. Open up the industry Kurt Edwards, director general of the International Business Aviation Council, also raised the fact that much could be gained “by opening the industry and making it more known to people.” In terms of managing safety risks, Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo, director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, shared initiatives to advance safety capabilities in the aviation sector through the State Safety Program. The program employs a risk-based approach to regulations, capacity building and integration of a new organizational structure for monitoring and evaluation. Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista stressed that the DOTr’s goal to rehabilitate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport through a public-private partnership agreement, which he said, will present a “landmark opportunity for economic growth, improved infrastructure, and a world-class travel experience.” Added Bautista, “We are also developing regional airports, such as the unsolicited proposals for the operations and maintenance of the Bicol International Airport, Bohol-Panglao International Airport and Laguindingan Airport.” The post Domestic aviation rebounds this year appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go provides support to help displaced workers in Bukidnon
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go sent assistance to displaced workers in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon on Friday, 29 September, in coordination with the office of Congressman Jonathan Keith Flores. Held at the municipal gymnasium, Go’s team distributed masks, vitamins, shirts, and snacks to a total of 426 displaced workers. They also gave away shoes, watches, mobile phones, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients. "Patuloy po tayong magtulungan upang mas mapabuti pa ang kalagayan ng ating mga disadvantaged at displaced workers. Magkasama tayo sa layuning ito na makabuo ng mas maginhawa at mas matatag na lipunan para sa lahat ng Pilipino," he said. These beneficiaries also qualified for livelihood support from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Meanwhile, Go underscored the significance of safeguarding the welfare of disadvantaged workers with particular attention to those dwelling in rural areas who are in need of more economic opportunities. Given this, Go has filed Senate Bill No. 420 which seeks to create a mechanism for offering short-term employment to eligible members of underprivileged households in rural regions. Within the framework of this proposed legislation, a program known as the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) would be established under DOLE. REAP's primary goal is to furnish temporary job opportunities to individuals who qualify as economically disadvantaged, impoverished, displaced, or seasonal workers. Underscoring the need for accessible yet affordable healthcare, Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also championed the services offered in the Malasakit Center located at Bukidnon Provincial Hospital in Maramag. Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, principally authored and sponsored by Go, mandates all Department of Health (DOH)-run hospitals, and the Philippine General Hospital in Manila City, to establish their own centers to provide convenient access to medical assistance programs offered by the government. “Ang target po ng Malasakit Center ay ma-cover ang inyong billing. Kaya huwag po kayong mahihiyang lumapit sa Malasakit Center dahil para po yan sa inyo, mga kababayan kong Pilipino. At ngayon po, meron na po tayong 159 na Malasakit Centers sa buong Pilipinas na handang tumulong po sa inyo,” explained Go. Go also mentioned that a Super Health Center is set to be established in the city of Malaybalay, and the towns of Kadingilan, Pangantucan, Sumilao, Kitaotao, Manolo Fortich, Maramag, Quezon, Talakag, San Fernando, and Kalilangan. The Super Health Centers will offer a range of healthcare services, including database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation center and telemedicine, through which remote diagnosis and treatment of patients are made possible. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, including Senate President Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, a native of Bukidnon, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. The DOH, as the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. Lastly, Go cited the enactment of Republic Act 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act which he principally sponsored and is one of the authors in the Senate. The law mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. It stands as a testament to the commitment of the government to uplift the nation's health infrastructure and bring actual medical services closer to the Filipino people. To help contribute to the city’s progress and improved connectivity, Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, likewise supported the construction of a public market in Barangay Maluko and a multipurpose building in Sankanan. The post Bong Go provides support to help displaced workers in Bukidnon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NDRRMC targets more durable, resilient evacuation centers
The government is considering the establishment of more durable and resilient evacuation centers nationwide as proposed by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to further enhance the country’s evacuation system. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who also chairs the NDRRMC, convened the council’s member agencies in a third-quarter meeting in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Thursday night. Teodoro said the council should focus on strengthening the disaster risk reduction and management as well as the adoption of “best practices for public interest.” “One of the highlights of the discussion was the status and enhanced design of evacuation centers. It can be recalled that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stressed the importance of building resilient evacuation centers in his last State of the Nation Address to ensure the safety of the public in times of emergency,” the NDRRMC said in a statement released on Friday. The Office of Civil Defense and the Department of Public Works and Highways are looking into the proposal to improve the design of evacuation centers, including the prioritization mechanism through risk-based assessments. During the meeting, the council members also tackled considerations and updates on location and site suitability, structural and building capacity, and minimum standards on design and conceptual sketches. The NDRRMC noted that the proposed improved design of the evacuation center is still subject to finalization by concerned government agencies. The council also tackled and approved amendments to NDRRMC Memorandum Circular No. 64, s. 2021 or the Guidelines on the Accreditation and Protection of Community Disaster Volunteers; Memorandum Circular on the Guidelines on Mainstreaming DRRM in Health in Local Development; and the proposed revision on Memorandum Circular no. 110, s.2021 or the Revised Guidelines on the Administration of the NDRRM Fund. The enhanced guidelines tackled during the meeting will be disseminated to concerned stakeholders for implementation. A report from Climate Change Knowledge Portal for Development Practitioners and Policy Makers showed that some 19 to 20 typhoons enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility yearly, with 7-9 making landfall. Hence, several lawmakers pushed for the legislation of measures that aim to enhance the country’s evacuation system. Senate Bill 1652, or An Act establishing evacuation centers nationwide, filed by Senator Raffy Tulfo, seeks the establishment of evacuation centers in 146 cities and 1,488 municipalities nationwide. Under the proposed measure, these evacuation centers must have basic facilities, accessible locations, and adequate emergency supplies, such as water, medicine, and relief goods considering that the Philippines is one of the most typhoon-prone countries in the world. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian also filed SB 940, or the Evacuation Center Act”, which seeks to establish evacuation centers in all cities nationwide. SB 940 provides that each location for every evacuation center shall be determined by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, in close coordination with the local government units concerned, and must be centrally located in the community. It must also be at a safe distance from large trees and structures with hazardous materials, must be near a health facility, must be located on geotechnically stable land, and must not be located near military base camps and camps of insurgent groups. The post NDRRMC targets more durable, resilient evacuation centers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go aids Alangalang displaced workers
In a coordinated effort with Mayor Lovely Yu, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go provided additional assistance to disadvantaged workers in Alangalang, Leyte on Sunday, 24 September. This initiative is part of his broader efforts to help expedite economic recovery in far-flung communities through the provision of more livelihood opportunities. During the relief operation at the Alangalang covered court, Go’s team provided masks, vitamins, shirts, and snacks to 457 affected workers. Select recipients also received shoes, watches, mobile phones, and balls for basketball and volleyball. Meanwhile, the beneficiaries also qualified for livelihood support from the Department of Labor and Employment’s program for disadvantaged and displaced workers. “Nais kong magpadala ng taos-pusong pasasalamat sa DOLE. Sila ay nagbibigay ng oportunidad at pag-asa sa mga manggagawang Pilipino na nawalan ng trabaho o kabuhayan dahil sa mga pagsubok na hinaharap natin. Sa pamamagitan ng programa nila, marami sa ating mga kababayan ang nabigyan ng pagkakataon na magkaroon ng pansamantalang trabaho at kumita ng maayos para sa kanilang pamilya,” Go stressed in a video message. In his commitment to promoting economic recovery, Go has underscored the significance of safeguarding the welfare of all sectors, with particular attention to those residing in rural areas. He introduced Senate Bill No. 420 which seeks to institutionalize a framework for offering temporary employment to eligible members of underprivileged households in rural regions. These individuals would be engaged in unskilled manual labor for a specified period. Under the proposed legislation, the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) would be established within DOLE. REAP's primary goal is to furnish temporary job prospects to individuals who meet the criteria of being economically disadvantaged, impoverished, displaced, or seasonal workers. Milagros Salazar, the President of Liga ng mga Barangay of Alangalang, expressed her deepest gratitude to Go for his support and assistance. "Pinapaabot po namin ang pasasalamat kay Senator Bong Go sa lahat-lahat ng ibinigay sa amin dito sa LGU ng Alang-Alang. Ang mga services na binigay sa amin sa health, sa financial, at sa sports ay hindi matatawaran. Hindi matapos-tapos ang pag-aabot sa amin ng pasasalamat sa aming pinakamamahal na senador," said Salazar. The senator likewise encouraged those with health concerns to seek the assistance of any of the 159 Malasakit Centers nationwide, five of which are established in the province. The Malasakit Center brings all relevant agencies under one roof, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, to ensure poor and indigent patients can conveniently access medical assistance programs to cover their hospital-related expenses. A Malasakit Center has been opened at the New Western Leyte Provincial Hospital in Baybay City, Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC) in Tacloban City, Ormoc District Hospital in Ormoc City, and Leyte Provincial Hospital and Governor Benjamin T. Romualdez General Hospital and Schistosomiasis Center (GBTRGHSC) in Palo. In an effort to enhance healthcare services within the province, Go who is an adopted son of Leyte province, also sponsored and successfully pushed for the passage of Republic Act No. 11567, increasing the bed capacity of EVRMC. Furthermore, he was instrumental in the enactment of RA 11566, converting the Schistosomiasis Control and Research Hospital into the GBTRGHSC. Meanwhile, he also mentioned that there will be Super Health Centers to be established in Hilongos and Baybay City. Through the collective efforts of DOH, LGUs and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. Super Health Centers offer basic health services, including database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services in Super Health Centers are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation centers; and telemedicine. Go also highlighted RA 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which he principally sponsored and is one of the authors in the Senate. The Regional Specialty Centers Act plays a pivotal role in the healthcare legislative agenda of the Marcos administration, as detailed in the Philippine Development Plan 2023 to 2028. The said law mandates the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. “Huwag po kayong mawawalan ng pag-asa. Patuloy nating haharapin ang mga pagsubok na ito ng magkakasama. Kasama ninyo ang buong sambayanan na nagmamalasakit sa inyong kalagayan. Magtulungan tayo, at sa tulong ng Diyos, malalampasan natin ang mga pagsubok na ito,” he ended. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, also supported the construction of multipurpose buildings in Alangalang, Babatngon, Carigara, Dagami, Isabel, Jaro, La Paz, Leyte, and Tolosa; construction of the Merida Community Hospital; construction of flood control structures in Alangalang, Javier, Tanauan and Tolosa; and acquisition of dump trucks for the local governments of Isabel and Villaba, among others. The post Bong Go aids Alangalang displaced workers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go sends assistance to Cebu fire victims
The office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go spearheaded a relief operation for fire victims in Barangays Kasambagan, Duljo Fatima, and Inayawan in Cebu City on Thursday, 21 September, as part of the senator’s efforts to ensure that the communities fully recover from the incident. The relief operation was held at Brgy. Kasambagan Hall. The senator’s team, together with Brgy. Kasambagan Captain Franklyn Ong, distributed snacks, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball to 102 fire victims. They also gave away shoes, watches, and mobile phones to select recipients. Meanwhile, the National Housing Authority (NHA) provided housing assistance to each qualified family. “Isinulong din natin na mabigyan sila ng National Housing Authority ng ayuda pambili ng housing materials tulad ng pako, yero at iba pa upang maisaayos muli ang kanilang mga tirahan,” Go said in a video message. “Isinulong ko ito noon at patuloy na sinusuportahan ang programa ng NHA ngayon upang mas marami pang mga biktima ng sakuna ang makapagpatayo ng maayos na bahay at makabangon muli mula sa trahedya,” he added. Go also highlighted Republic Act No. 11589 or the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Modernization Act of 2021. This legislation, principally authored and co-sponsored by Go, is designed to bolster BFP’s capacity through a decade-long modernization initiative. This program encompasses the enlistment of additional firefighters, procurement of more firefighting equipment, and the provision of specialized training. “Alam ko pong mahirap ang masunugan pero magtiwala lang po kayo sa gobyerno at tayo po ay makakaahon muli. Ang importante ay walang nasaktan. Ang pera ay kikitain naman po natin yan pero ang buhay ay hindi nabibili ng pera. A lost life is a lost life forever kaya mag-ingat tayo,” said Go. As chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go also encouraged residents to take advantage of the services offered by the Malasakit Centers nationwide, including the centers located at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC), Cebu City Medical Center, and St. Anthony Mother & Child Hospital, all in Cebu City. The Malasakit Center is a convenient one-stop shop that brings together relevant agencies to provide medical aid to indigent Filipinos. Go is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act, which has successfully assisted over seven million Filipinos through the 159 operational centers nationwide. “Ako po ay nasunugan at tinulungan po ako ng mahal na mayor at mahal na Senator Bong Go... Ako rin po ay nanganak at tinulungan ng Malasakit Center sa aking bill. Kaya naman nagpapasalamat ako kay Senator Bong Go sa programa niya dahil ako ay natulungan ng Malasakit Center,” Manilyn Sarmiento, one of the beneficiaries, expressed. Other Malasakit Centers in the province are available at Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City, Lapu-Lapu City District Hospital, Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital in Mandaue City, and Talisay District Hospital in Talisay City. Go also expressed his support for the construction of Super Health Centers in strategic locations as identified by DOH nationwide. Through the collective efforts of Go, DOH, LGUs, and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. Go emphasized the critical role that Super Health Centers play in decongesting hospitals, facilitating early disease detection, and providing essential healthcare services such as primary care and medical consultations directly to the community. These centers are designed to offer a wide range of basic health services, database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation centers; and telemedicine, which makes remote diagnosis and treatment of patients possible. Moreover, echoing President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.’s priority of bringing specialized medical services closer to other parts of the country, Go highlighted that he has principally sponsored and is one of the authors of the Regional Specialty Centers Act which was recently enacted into law. The law mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. It stands as a testament to the commitment of the government to uplift the nation's health infrastructure and bring actual medical services closer to the Filipino people. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, likewise supported the funding of various projects in the province, including the construction of multipurpose buildings in Barili, Cordova, Ginatilan, Pilar, Tabogon, and Talisay City; improvement of existing roads in Alcantara, Alcoy, Alegria, Asturias, Balamban, Boljoon, Borbon, Carmen, Madrilejos, Malabuyoc, Minglanilla, Moalboal, Pinamungajan, Sibonga, Sogod, Tabogon, Tabuelan, Carcar City and Naga City; improvement of flood mitigation structures in Catmon and Tuburan; installation of street lights in Asturias, Compostela and Daanbantayan; and acquisition of ambulance units for Madridejos and Naga City. The post Bong Go sends assistance to Cebu fire victims appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go extends assistance to Merida displaced workers
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, in coordination with Mayor Lando Villasencio, provided additional assistance to 315 displaced workers who attended an occupational safety and health orientation conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Merida, Leyte on Friday, 22 September. The orientation, which was held at the municipal recreational gymnasium, was aimed to educate workers about the importance of workplace safety and health standards. The training was not only informative but also a significant step towards ensuring the welfare and security of local workers. During the said event, Go’s team handed out shirts, snacks, and balls for basketball and volleyball to the identified displaced workers. “Nais ko po na iparating sa inyo ang aking buong suporta at pagmamahal sa panahong ito ng inyong pangangailangan. Alam ko po ang hirap na dinaranas ninyo dahil sa pagkawala ng inyong trabaho, at nais kong malaman ninyo na kami ay nandito para sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya,” said Go, an adopted son of Leyte, in a video message. “Sa abot ng aking makakaya, patuloy kaming magsusumikap na magbigay ng tulong at oportunidad para sa inyong kinabukasan. Mahalaga na malaman ninyo na kami ay nagtutulungan kasama ang iba't ibang ahensya ng gobyerno upang hanapan ng mga paraan kung paano kami makakatulong sa inyo,” he continued. To ensure that those who reside in rural areas lacking job opportunities are taken care of, Go also filed Senate Bill No. 420, which seeks to offer temporary employment to eligible members of low-income rural households who are ready to perform unskilled physical labor for a period of time. The senator likewise encouraged those with health concerns to seek the assistance of any of the 159 Malasakit Centers nationwide, five of which are established in the province. The Malasakit Center brings all relevant agencies under one roof, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, to ensure poor and indigent patients can conveniently access medical assistance programs to cover their hospital-related expenses. A Malasakit Center has been opened at the New Western Leyte Provincial Hospital in Baybay City, Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC) in Tacloban City, Ormoc District Hospital in Ormoc City, and Leyte Provincial Hospital and Governor Benjamin T. Romualdez General Hospital and Schistosomiasis Center (GBTRGHSC) in Palo. In an effort to enhance healthcare services within the province, Go also sponsored and successfully pushed for the passage of Republic Act No. 11567, increasing the bed capacity of EVRMC. Furthermore, he was instrumental in the enactment of RA 11566, converting the Schistosomiasis Control and Research Hospital into the GBTRGHSC. Meanwhile, he also mentioned that there will be Super Health Centers to be established in Hilongos and Baybay City. Super Health Centers offer basic health services, including database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services in Super Health Centers are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation centers; and telemedicine. Go also highlighted RA 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which he principally sponsored and is one of the authors in the Senate. The Regional Specialty Centers Act plays a pivotal role in the healthcare legislative agenda of the Marcos administration, as detailed in the Philippine Development Plan 2023 to 2028. “Huwag po kayong mawawalan ng pag-asa. Patuloy nating haharapin ang mga pagsubok na ito ng magkakasama. Kasama ninyo ang buong sambayanan na nagmamalasakit sa inyong kalagayan. Magtulungan tayo, at sa tulong ng Diyos, malalampasan natin ito,” he ended. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, likewise supported the construction of multipurpose buildings in Alangalang, Babatngon, Carigara, Dagami, Isabel, Jaro, La Paz, Leyte, and Tolosa; construction of the Merida Community Hospital; construction of flood control structures in Alangalang, Javier, Tanauan and Tolosa; and acquisition of dump trucks for the local governments of Isabel and Villaba, among others. The post Bong Go extends assistance to Merida displaced workers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Major asteroid sample brought to Earth in NASA first
A seven-year space voyage came to its climactic end Sunday when a NASA capsule landed in the desert in the US state of Utah, carrying to Earth the largest asteroid samples ever collected. Scientists have high hopes for the sample, saying it will provide a better understanding of the formation of our solar system and how Earth became habitable. When they learned that the capsule's main parachute had deployed, "I literally broke into tears," the Osiris-Rex mission's principal investigator Dante Lauretta told a press conference. "That was the moment I knew we made it home... For me, the real science is just beginning." The 3.86-billion-mile (6.21-billion-kilometer) journey marked the United States' first sample return mission of its kind, the US space agency said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. NASA chief Bill Nelson hailed the mission and said the asteroid dust "will give scientists an extraordinary glimpse into the beginnings of our solar system." The Osiris-Rex probe's final, fiery descent through Earth's atmosphere was perilous, but NASA managed to engineer a soft landing at 8:52 am local time (1452 GMT), in the military's Utah Test and Training Range. Four years after its 2016 launch, the probe landed on the asteroid Bennu and collected what NASA estimated is roughly nine ounces (250 grams) of dust from its rocky surface. Even that small amount, NASA says, should "help us better understand the types of asteroids that could threaten Earth." The sample return "is really historic," NASA scientist Amy Simon told AFP. "This is going to be the biggest sample we've brought back since the Apollo moon rocks" were returned to Earth. Osiris-Rex released its capsule early Sunday from an altitude of more than 67,000 miles. The fiery passage through the atmosphere came only in the last 13 minutes, as the capsule hurtled downward at a speed of more than 27,000 miles per hour, with temperatures of up to 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit (2,760 degrees Celsius). NASA images showed the tire-sized capsule on the ground in a desert wash, with scientists approaching the device and taking readings. Eventually, they concluded the capsule was not breached, meaning its all-important air-tight seal remained intact, avoiding any contamination of the sample with desert sands. The team then lifted the capsule by helicopter to a nearby "clean room." Meanwhile, the probe that made the space journey fired its engines and shifted course away from Earth, NASA said, "on its way" for a date with another asteroid. Japanese samples On Monday, the sample heads to the Johnson Space Center in Houston for additional study, and NASA plans to announce its first results at a news conference 11 October. Roughly one-fourth of the sample will be immediately used in experiments, and a small amount will be sent to mission partners Japan and Canada. But most of it will be saved for future generations -- a "treasure for scientific analysis for years and years and years to come, to our kids and grandkids and people that haven't even been born yet," Lori Glaze, director of NASA's Planetary Sciences division, said. Japan had earlier given NASA a few grains from asteroid Ryugu, after bringing 0.2 ounces of dust to Earth in 2020 during the Hayabusa-2 mission. Ten years before, it had brought back a microscopic quantity from another asteroid. But the sample from Bennu is much larger, allowing for significantly more testing, Simon said. Earth's origin story Asteroids are composed of the original materials of the solar system, dating back some 4.5 billion years, and have remained relatively intact. They "can give us clues about how the solar system formed and evolved," said Osiris-Rex program executive Melissa Morris. "It's our own origin story." By striking Earth's surface, "we do believe asteroids and comets delivered organic material, potentially water, that helped life flourish here on Earth," Simon said. Scientists believe Bennu, about 500 meters (1,640 feet) in diameter, is rich in carbon -- a building block of life on Earth -- and contains water molecules locked in minerals. Bennu surprised scientists in 2020 when the probe, during its brief contact with the asteroid's surface, sank into the soil, revealing an unexpectedly low density, like a children's pool filled with plastic balls. Understanding its composition could come in handy, for there is a slight -- but non-zero -- chance (one in 2,700) that Bennu could collide catastrophically with Earth, though not until 2182. NASA last year successfully deviated the course of an asteroid by crashing a probe into it in a test, and it might at some point need to repeat that exercise -- but with much higher stakes. The post Major asteroid sample brought to Earth in NASA first appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kuya Bong backs medical specialty agencies’ establishment
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has recently expressed his full support for the establishment of the National Disease Prevention Management Authority, Medical Reserve Corps, and the Virology Institute of the Philippines. The measures were discussed during the Third Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council meeting after the senator attended the groundbreaking for the Super Health Center in San Mateo, Rizal. When asked about the progress of these initiatives, Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health stressed his full support and is optimistic that these will be approved this year. Go clarified that the NDPMA is essentially the same as the previously named Center for Disease Control and Prevention bill as he reiterated the importance of being prepared for possible future pandemics, citing the country’s experience with Covid-19. He recalled how the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine became a crucial office for Covid-19 testing, despite almost losing its funding during the 2019 budget deliberations. “In 2019, before the pandemic came, the budget for the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine was almost cut. We did not agree. In fact, we increased them during the budget deliberations,” Go said. “My hunch was right, who would have thought that RITM would be one of the most important offices during the pandemic? RITM is also capable of testing other infectious diseases besides Covid-19,” he added. He concluded by saying that he supports these initiatives that will benefit Filipinos, the healthcare system, and the less fortunate. To recall, the senator has filed his own versions of these measures in the Senate — Senate Bill 195 or the creation of a Center for Disease Control and if passed, the CDC will serve as the country’s central hub for disease prevention, surveillance and control, focusing on both infectious and non-communicable diseases. The post Kuya Bong backs medical specialty agencies’ establishment appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»