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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......»»
Better sports facilities pushed
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, I am saddened by the dilapidated state of the country’s iconic sports facilities. The Philippine Institute of Sports Multi-Purpose Arena, popularly known as PhilSports Arena, has come a long way from the time it was built in 1985 to house the Philippine Basketball Association until the league moved out in 1993 due to the lack of maintenance of the venue. The last time it was renovated was in 2019, when the country hosted the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Among PhilSports Arena’s main facilities are the Multi-purpose Arena, Swimming Center, and Football and Athletic Stadium. While the arena was greatly enjoyed as a sports facility, it also served as a temporary shelter for evacuees after Tropical Storm Ondoy and Typhoon Pepeng struck the Philippines in 2009, adding to the facility's wear and tear. A quick look at the PhilSports Arena and the other sports facilities nationwide should make us realize that we should invest more in rehabilitating our iconic sports facilities. As I have suggested during the budget deliberations in the Senate, prioritizing funding for sports facilities would have been better than putting flood control projects in areas with little to no population. This concern about the support we are providing our athletes has motivated me to author and co-sponsor Republic Act No. 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. In collaboration with the Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of Education, NAS now offers a specialized secondary education program focused on sports where students can study and train simultaneously. I have also filed the Philippine National Games bill, which aims to provide a structure for a more comprehensive national sports program, linking grassroots sports promotion to national sports development by having a mini Olympics regularly. Providing opportunities to our youth will help develop their potential in sports but will also help keep them away from vices such as illegal drugs. I continue to support establishing sports-related programs and infrastructure to divert the youth from the lure of addiction and criminality. This is also part of my three-pronged approach to combat illegal drugs in the Philippines – law enforcement, rehabilitation, and prevention. Yesterday, I witnessed the Philippine ROTC Games 2023 Luzon Qualifying Leg opening ceremony held at Cavite State University – Indang Campus in Indang, Cavite. With Sen. Francis Tolentino, I encouraged our young cadets who participated in various competitions to get into sports and stay away from drugs. I have also remained faithful to my promise to visit and help our fellow Filipinos in most parts of the country. On 16 September, we attended the groundbreaking of a Super Health Center in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. We also visited the town of Damulog, where I inspected projects I have supported, such as a public market, road concreting project, evacuation center, solar street lights, and a multipurpose building. Later that day, we also attended the 25th Anniversary of Public Safety Basic Recruit Course Class 1998-Alpha at Acacia Hotel in Davao City. On 15 September, we attended a meeting of state universities and colleges leaders held in Davao City and hosted by Commission on Higher Education Chair Prospero de Vera. The night before, we also joined leaders from the CHEd, the University of the Philippines System, and various SUCs to honor the appointment of Atty. Angelo Jimenez, a fellow Mindanaoan, as the 22nd President of the University of the Philippines. We took the opportunity to voice our commitment to elevating the standard of education nationwide. This is also the reason why Republic Act No. 10931, or the Universal Access To Quality Tertiary Education Act, was enacted into law during the time of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Today, we continue to pursue this further as I co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1360, which aims to widen the reach of the law further. We visited Bislig City in Surigao del Sur to participate in its 23rd Charter Day festivities. We handed out grocery packages to 32 newlywed couples during a community wedding and inaugurated the country’s 159th Malasakit Center at the Bislig District Hospital. This is the seventh Malasakit Center in the Caraga region and the 40th in Mindanao. Our team also provided direct aid, including grocery packs, to 129 patients and 191 front liners, including security guards, utilities, and hospital staff. On 15 September, my office also attended the groundbreaking of Super Health Centers in New Washington and Malay in the province of Aklan. Meanwhile, we continue to support livelihood programs, especially those that can help people experiencing poverty overcome crises. Through our support, the Department of Trade and Industry provides livelihood kits to qualified beneficiaries affected by calamities and teaches them how to grow their businesses for the benefit of their families. Among those we have helped are 20 from Dipaculao, Aurora; 57 from Sanchez Mira and Abulog, Cagayan; 100 affected by the earthquake in Montevista and New Bataan, and 50 in Nabunturan in Davao de Oro; 196 in Malalag and Sulop, Davao del Sur; 20 in Mangatarem, Pangasinan; 21 victims of Typhoon Egay in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato; 132 shear line victims in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental; and 36 beneficiaries from Lutayan and Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, and General Santos City. We also continue to support the National Housing Authority’s distribution of emergency housing assistance to disaster victims so they can purchase roofing, nails, and other home repair materials. We assisted beneficiaries, including 85 fire victims in Imus City, Cavite. Meanwhile, my office helped the 65 fire victims in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. We also provided assistance to 75 TESDA graduates in Victorias City, Negros Occidental. We also distributed additional support to workers who lost their jobs, beneficiaries of the TUPAD program of the Department of Labor and Employment, including 413 in Talibon, Bohol, and 150 in Plaridel, Bulacan. We also aided 333 poor residents in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro; and 234 in Antipolo City, Rizal. Together, let us continue bringing government services closer to Filipinos in need – from better sports facilities more accessible healthcare services, and implementing various programs to help uplift communities affected by crises. 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Bring public health services closer
“Health is the greatest of human blessings,” according to Hippocrates, father of Modern Medicine. That is why we continue to make significant strides in improving our health system. The latest of which is the signing into law of the Regional Specialty Centers Act. As the principal sponsor and one of the authors of this measure, I am grateful to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., for approving and prioritizing this legislation which will help bring specialized medical care closer to Filipinos in various regions, and hopefully to the most vulnerable groups in grassroots communities. As we aim to make public health more accessible, we must continue such efforts to ensure all Filipinos get the healthcare they deserve. In line with this, the Malasakit Centers we initiated in 2018 have already provided financial medical assistance to more than seven million patients so far. There are 158 Malasakit centers established all over the country through the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which I principally authored and sponsored in the Senate. I have also continuously pushed for the establishment of Super Health Centers, which are medium versions of a polyclinic and improved versions of the rural health unit, to make healthcare more accessible to Filipinos even in remote areas. These centers, funded with the help of my fellow legislators and primarily implemented by the Department of Health, shall provide primary health care services in communities that also include consultation, diagnosis, and early detection of diseases. As chair of the Senate Health Committee, I must emphasize the need to bring public health services closer to the people who need them the most. The enactment of the Regional Specialty Centers Act, along with the continuing operations of Malasakit Centers and the establishment of more Super Health Centers nationwide will hopefully bridge this gap and further promote the health and well-being of Filipinos no matter where they are in the country. As a legislator and public servant, I will continue to help improve public service delivery at the grassroots to the best of my capacity so that no Filipino is neglected when it comes to availing government services they need. That is why aside from the health initiatives mentioned above, I also continue to visit communities to deliver assistance, listen to their concerns, and provide solutions to their daily struggles. We were in Laguna on August 25 to inspect the Siniloan Sports Complex which was funded through our efforts as part of our goal as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports to promote grassroots sports development and divert our youth from harmful vices like illegal drugs. We then inspected the Isolation Facility of the Infirmary Hospital which we supported during the Duterte administration. We also led the distribution of aid to 500 impoverished residents of Siniloan together with Vice Governor Karen Agapay, Mayor Patrick Go, Vice Mayor Carla Valderrama, and other local officials. Last weekend, I also joined fellow officials and basketball enthusiasts alike in supporting Gilas Pilipinas during the 2023 FIBA World Cup. I commend everyone who took part in ensuring the successful hosting of the FIBA World Cup here in the Philippines. We were invited as a guest speaker on 24 August at the Gender and Development Activity organized by the Provincial Council of Occidental Mindoro. We support these kinds of discussions that aim to promote equal and gender-sensitive leadership. On 23 August, I received the prestigious Apostle Arsenio Ferriol Award of Excellence for Public Service and Governance. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch) for this very prestigious recognition. With or without an award, I will continue my mission to serve fellow Filipinos, knowing very well that service to the people is service to God. Aside from the awarding ceremony, I also joined them yesterday for their 50th Golden Church Anniversary celebration in New Clark City, Tarlac. I also visited Navotas City on 22 August, together with Mayor John Rey Tiangco and Vice Mayor Tito Sanchez to help 1,000 senior citizens, PWDs, and indigents. We also provided additional support to 1,328 recovering fire victims who were given aid from the National Housing Authority to buy housing materials through their Emergency Housing Assistance Program that we initiated before and continue to support its implementation now. We were also instrumental in the construction of nine public school buildings in Navotas City, some of which we were able to inspect during our visit. My office also continues to assist Filipinos affected by calamities. Among those assisted were typhoon victims in various towns in Cagayan — 500 in Gonzaga; 500 residents in Aparri; 500 in Allacapan; 500 in Pamplona; 500 in Ballesteros; and 500 more in Caoayan, Ilocos Sur. More support was also provided for 35 indigents from different towns of Cotabato Province plus 110 sectoral members in Libungan town; three fire victims of Brgy. Peñaplata in Samal Island; 1,000 residents of Sibalom and almost 250 in Tobias Fornier in Antique; 1,000 beneficiaries in Polomolok, South Cotabato; 66 residents of Malolos Bulacan; 31 residents of General Tinio and 140 more in Gapan, Nueva Ecija. We also extended livelihood support to 14 indigents in Cauayan, Negros Occidental; three farmers in San Lorenzo, Guimaras; and 52 residents of Brgy. Tisa, Cebu City who were previously victims of a fire incident. They were also provided aid through DTI’s Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) program, which I pushed for before and continue to support now to boost the livelihood of those affected by various crises. Furthermore, I am also thankful to the President for signing the following into law: Republic Act No. 11961, which I co-authored, amending the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, and mandates the creation of a Philippine Registry of Heritage; RA 11958, which I co-authored, that amends RA 6948 to rationalize the disability pension provided to military veterans; and the One Town, One Product Philippines Program, which I authored and co-sponsored, to support the growth of the country’s micro, small, and medium enterprises. While we have accomplished a lot in the past few days in helping those in need and pushing for policies that would uplift the lives of fellow Filipinos, our work must not stop as long as there are more of our kababayans who rely on us for support. As public servants, let us continue to bring the government and its services closer to the people while working together so that no one is left behind toward recovery and progress. The post Bring public health services closer appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Principal Sponsor Bong Go lauds signing of Regional Specialty Centers Act
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, principal sponsor and one of the authors of the Regional Specialty Centers (RSC) Act, commended the signing of the measure into law by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. “I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. for recognizing the importance of this legislation and signing it into law. His support has been instrumental in bringing specialized medical care closer to our fellow Filipinos,” said Go. "Walang Pilipino ang dapat mapag-iwanan pagdating sa kalusugan. Ang bawat Pilipino ay may karapatan sa de-kalidad na serbisyong medikal, kahit saan man sila sa bansa," he stressed. The law aims to create additional specialty centers in various regions, ensuring that Filipinos have access to specialized medical services. “With the signing of this law, we are taking a giant leap in improving access to specialized medical care and bringing these services closer to Filipinos in need," said Go. "Now, our countrymen suffering from severe illnesses won't have to travel to Manila for treatment at specialty hospitals like the Philippine Heart Center or Lung Center,” he added. The newly enacted law includes provisions for the establishment of specialty centers within existing government-controlled corporations or specialty hospitals. It also outlines the specific service capabilities that the Department of Health (DOH) will implement in regional hospitals. “By setting clear standards, we are ensuring that these specialty centers will have the necessary expertise and resources to cater to patients' specialized medical needs effectively across the country,” Go added. The law also details the medical specialties that DOH must prioritize in the establishment of these centers. Go also expressed his appreciation for the collaborative efforts of his fellow legislators in crafting a comprehensive law. “Isa pong malaking tagumpay para sa atin ang pagiging ganap na batas ng SBN 2212, o ang Regional Specialty Centers Act. Isa po tayo sa author at tayo rin ang principal sponsor nito sa Senado. Nakakuha ito ng 24-0 na boto sa Senado dahil sa pagsang-ayon ng aking mga kasamahan na makakabuti ito para sa lahat,” Go shared. “Ang mga pasyente na nangangailangan ng special medical care ay kinakailangan pang bumiyahe at gumastos para lang magpagamot sa mga specialty hospitals na ito. Pero hindi naman dapat mahirapan ang ating mga kababayan na maka-access sa serbisyo ng gobyerno lalo na pagdating sa usaping kalusugan. Ang gobyerno dapat ang maglapit ng serbisyo sa mga tao. Kaya sa ilalim ng bagong batas ay dadalhin na ang ganitong specialized medical services sa bawat rehiyon,” he added. “Umaasa tayo na sa pagtatayo ng specialty centers sa buong bansa ay lalo nating mapalalakas ang ating healthcare system at magiging accessible sa bawat Pilipino ang serbisyong medikal na kailangan nila para magkaroon ng malusog at matiwasay na buhay,” the senator explained further. According to DOH’s timeline, the establishment of specialty centers in the National Capital Region will take place in Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center, Quirino Memorial Medical Center, East Avenue Medical Center, Tondo Medical Center, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Valenzuela Medical Center, Las Piñas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center, Rizal Medical Center, and Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium. In Luzon, specialty centers will be established in Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, Region I Medical Center, Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center, Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center, Cagayan Valley Medical Center, Region II Trauma and Medical Center, Southern Isabela Medical Center, Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center, Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center, Mariveles Mental Wellness and General Hospital, Batangas Medical Center, Ospital ng Palawan, Culion Sanitarium and General Hospital, Bicol Medical Center, Bicol Region General Hospital, Geriatric Medical Center, Bicol Medical Center, and Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center. The Visayas region will witness the creation of specialty centers in Western Visayas Medical Center, Western Visayas Sanitarium and General Hospital, Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center, and Eastern Visayas Medical Center. In Mindanao, specialty centers will be established in Zamboanga City Medical Center, Northern Mindanao Medical Center, Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Medical Center, Southern Philippines Medical Center, Davao Regional Medical Center, Cotabato Regional and Medical Center, Caraga Regional Hospital, Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center, and Amai Pakpak Medical Center. “These specialty centers will reduce the need for travel to Metro Manila for specialized treatments. Our people will now have access to these services in regional DOH hospitals, enhancing their overall well-being and quality of life,” Go stated. “Ang batas na ito ay simbolo ng ating pagkakaisa at determinasyon na gawing abot-kamay ang specialized healthcare services para sa lahat," concluded Go. The post Principal Sponsor Bong Go lauds signing of Regional Specialty Centers Act appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
LPA off Cagayan may develop into cyclone
The trough of a low-pressure area will continue to bring rain in Luzon as it moves closer to Philippine landmass, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration......»»
Babuyan s Camiguin Island under Signal No. 5 as Egay moves closer
Egay was moving closer to the northern tip of the Philippines, with the center of its eye last seen 230 kilometers east northeast of Tuguegarao City or 240 km east of Aparri in Cagayan, the state weather bureau said in its latest bulletin......»»
Healthcare at the top of admin agenda, says Marcos
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that his government is working "relentlessly" to make sure that all Filipinos had access to health care as he intends to build more health centers in rural areas. The Chief Executive said this as he inspected the building of a new multi-specialty medical center in Clark, Pampanga, which he said was part of his administration's efforts to advance quality healthcare to Filipinos. "Rest assured, this administration is determined to bring quality healthcare and services closer to (the) Filipino people... We will not stop until every Filipino can say they have good access to quality healthcare," he said in his speech during Clark Multi-Specialty Medical Center's groundbreaking ceremony. “This is not a single project that stands on its own alone. This part of a larger system of healthcare provision that we are putting together to service our kababayans so that they don’t have to wait to get very, very sick before they go to the big hospitals,” he said during his speech. The President also underscored his goal of giving poor Filipinos access to medical treatments as he said that he wants the government to bring the healthcare down to the people. “We will establish rural healthcare units. We will establish barangay centers. We will establish botica de barangay,” Marcos said. He explained that the Covid-19 pandemic was part of the reason why his government puts healthcare at the top of its list of priorities, because the country needs to be ready in case there is another major health crisis. Marcos urged the public to be part of the solution when addressing healthcare problems and “put forward innovative alternatives that you believe can help uplift the lives of our fellowmen.” Once completed, the CMSMC is expected to receive patients not only from Pampanga and the Central Luzon region, but also from Metro Manila, Ilocos Region and the Cagayan Valley Region, Marcos said. Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said earlier that the medical center would be made through donations and funds from the government. Herbosa had said that the building will start out as a general hospital and then "move up to a children's specialty, then a cardiac specialty, then a kidney specialty." During his first State of the Nation Address, Marcos talked about how important specialty hospitals like the Philippine Heart Center, Philippine Lung Center, National Children's Hospital and National Kidney and Transplant Institute were, especially during the pandemic. Marcos said that the government has been looking for places to put specialty hospitals. He said that these hospitals shouldn't just be in Metro Manila, but also in the towns and provinces across the country. The post Healthcare at the top of admin agenda, says Marcos appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Combined LPA, habagat to affect parts of Phl
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration announced on Thursday that rainy weather will be experienced throughout the country due to the combined effects of the low-pressure area off Infanta, Quezon, and the southwest monsoon or habagat. Citing the latest PAGASA bulletin, weather specialist Patrick del Mundo said that the LPA is unlikely to become a tropical cyclone in the next 24 hours but already affects several parts of the country. “This LPA remained less likely to become a tropical cyclone in the next 24 hours, but we are expecting it to move closer to parts of Aurora, Quezon, and Camarines Norte area,” Del Mundo said. However, PAGASA has not ruled out the possibility of the weather disturbance intensifying into a tropical depression. The LPA was last tracked 90 kilometers over Northeast of Infanta, Quezon, or 85 km Southeast of Baler, Aurora. Del Mundo said the Southwest Monsoon is still affecting Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. “Due to the combined effects of LPA and southwest monsoon, we expect the sky to be cloudy throughout the day, along with scattered rain, lightning, and thunder,” Del Mundo said. The combined LPA and the southwest monsoon will trigger rain showers and thunderstorms called “monsoon rains” in Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, and MIMAROPA. The post Combined LPA, habagat to affect parts of Phl appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Combined LPA, Habagat to affect most part of Phl— Pagasa
Rainy weather will be experienced throughout the country due to the combined effects of the low-pressure area off Infanta, Quezon, and the southwest monsoon or Habagat, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Administration said Thursday. Citing the latest PAGASA bulletin, weather specialist Patrick Del Mundo said that the LPA is unlikely to become a tropical cyclone in the next 24 hours but already affects several parts of the country. “This LPA remained less likely to become a tropical cyclone in the next 24 hours, but we are expecting it to move closer to parts of Aurora, Quezon, and Camarines Norte area,” Del Mundo reported. However, PAGASA has not ruled out the possibility of the weather disturbance intensifying into a tropical depression. The LPA was last tracked 90 kilometers over Northeast of Infanta, Quezon, or 85 km Southeast of Baler, Aurora (15.3°N, 122.3°E). Del Mundo said the Southwest Monsoon is still affecting Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. “Due to the combined effects of LPA and southwest monsoon, we expect the sky to be cloudy throughout the day, along with scattered rain, lightning, and thunder,” he added. The combined LPA and the southwest monsoon will trigger rain showers and thunderstorms called “monsoon rains” in Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, and MIMAROPA. Southwest Monsoon will bring occasional rains over Bicol Region and Western Visayas. PAGASA warned that scattered to widespread rains could cause possible flooding or landslides in the above-mentioned areas. While Central and Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, BARMM, and SOCCSKSARGEN will experience Cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms due to Habagat. Isolated rain showers or thunderstorms will prevail over the Caraga and Davao Region due to localized thunderstorms. The post Combined LPA, Habagat to affect most part of Phl— Pagasa appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go lauds Super Health Center groundbreaking in Zamboanga City
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, emphasized the significance of investing in health infrastructure, particularly the establishment of Super Health Centers nationwide to bring basic medical services from the government closer to communities. In his video message during the groundbreaking ceremony of Zamboanga City Super Health Center in Barangay Manicahan on Friday, June 30, Senator Go highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach that focuses on bolstering the nation's healthcare system. Through such efforts, the country can better address healthcare challenges and ensure the well-being of its citizens, especially at the grassroots. “The more we should invest sa ating health care. The more na laanan natin ng pondo dahil hindi po natin alam kung ito na ba ang pinakahuling pandemya na darating sa ating buhay. Huwag na po sanang dumating. Sana po’y bumalik na tayo sa normal nating pamumuhay,” Go cited. Senator Go pointed out that Super Health Centers serve as hubs for basic healthcare delivery, providing a wide range of medical services to communities. Super Health Centers offer 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, where remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will be done. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had were allocated under the Health Facilities Enhancement Program of the Department of Health for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. The senator emphasized that these Super Health Centers would cater to the needs of underserved areas, especially those lacking adequate healthcare infrastructure. By ensuring that every citizen has access to quality healthcare services, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status, the government can take significant strides towards achieving universal healthcare coverage, Go expressed. “Ngayon tatayuan na kayo ng inyong Super Health Center. Pwede diyan ang dental, laboratory, x-ray, at birthing, panganganak. Ang mga buntis pwede nang manganak diyan. Iyan ang Super Health Center,” the senator said. “Iyan ang pamamaraan na ilapit natin ang serbisyo medikal sa ating mga kababayan. Iyan ang Super Health Center,” he highlighted. In line with his priority of protecting the well-being of Filipinos, Go then offered to help any resident who may need medical attention. He encouraged them to visit the Malasakit Centers at the Zamboanga City Medical Center, Mindanao Central Sanitarium, and Labuan General Hospital. The Malasakit Centers program has successfully established 158 centers so far and helped more than seven million Filipinos nationwide. It brings together relevant agencies, including DOH, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, to help reduce a patient’s hospital expenses to the lowest possible amount. He also continues to take significant steps in his commitment to improving healthcare accessibility for Filipinos by principally sponsoring Senate Bill No. 2212, otherwise known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act. The bill was passed before the session break and is now awaiting the approval of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. If the measure is enacted, in Mindanao, specialty centers will be established at Zamboanga City Medical Center, Northern Mindanao Medical Center in Cagayan de Oro City, Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Medical Center in Ozamis City, Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City, Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City, Cotabato Regional and Medical Center in Cotabato City, Caraga Regional Hospital Surigao City, Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center in Tandag City, and Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Marawi City. The post Bong Go lauds Super Health Center groundbreaking in Zamboanga City appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BARMM Governors Caucus, for what?
As this column had predicted, it was bound to happen. There is no stopping the confrontation between the leadership of the Bangsamoro Regional Government, dominated by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and the incumbent governors in the region. It’s a clash between status quo and change. The emerging Moro leaders in the region were personified by the governors advocating reforms versus the well-entrenched dynasties. Everything pointed to it happening. They can swear to high heavens that no such thing will happen, but their actions betray their intentions. This column sees them as being civil to each other only for public consumption. But below the sea of calm is a raging current with each side preparing to unleash their powers. Their body language says it all. A political showdown is imminent for what Moro political opinionist, Sultan Pangnal Datu Ramos, describes as a Battle Royale. In a move that was nothing but an alignment and consolidation of political forces, the five elected governors in the BARMM convened what they conveniently called the “BARMM Governors Caucus (BGC)” in Cagayan de Oro City on 6 June. Present were Mamintal “Bombit” Adiong Jr. (Lanao del Sur) who played host, Abdusakur Tan (Sulu), Bai Mariam Mangudadatu (Maguindanao del Sur), Ysmael Sali (Tawi-Tawi), and Malusso Mayor Hanie Bud, president of the Basilan League of Municipalities, representing Governor Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman. This was not the first time they met. In fact, after every major political development in the region that they saw as a threat to their political sway over their turf, they met and made known their position which was not always in sync with that of the BARMM leadership. In a press statement heavy with motherhood phrases meant for public consumption, they claimed that the BGC is “a platform that will advocate and promote the issues our constituents have identified as critical. The Caucus will engage in dialogue toward greater cooperation and collaboration with the national and regional governments and multisectoral groups.” If their intention is honest and true, why did they not involve the BARMM as the immediate tier in the governance set-up in addressing critical issues? Why sideline the regional government which could help them promote the interest of their public? Why was the newly appointed governor of Maguindanao del Norte not invited to the caucus? Is it because he is identified with the leadership of the BARMM having been a senior minister before his appointment by the President? If they wanted a dialogue, why didn’t they involve national and regional officials or their representatives in the forum? The manifesto likewise said that “the Caucus is committed to supporting the peace process and the BARMM. But of course, who would want unpeace? A disruption of the peace will adversely affect their decades-old dynasties. Their actions belie their claim of support for the BARMM. They look at BARMM as nothing but a threat to their political grip on their individual fiefdoms. The BGC is the sum of past dialogues and meetings of these governors with the agenda manifestly not in tandem with the interest of the BARMM leadership. When BARMM was being conceptualized and was later submitted for legislation, Gov. Tan challenged the move before the Supreme Court and when the BARMM officials lobbied for the postponement of the parliamentary election which led to the extension of their terms of office, most governors opposed it. And they likewise opposed certain provisions of the Bangsamoro Electoral Code which was passed by the regional parliament over their objection. The recent ambush of Gov. Adiong alerted these governors to a serious threat to their leadership and they decided to band closer together to protect their political interests. They raised concerns about the non-completion of the decommissioning process, which has allowed the armed MILF to continue carrying their firearms in public with impunity. How can you face and win over an enemy whose followers are allowed by the government to pack six shooters? This scenario could definitely put the MILF’s Bangsamoro Justice Party at a huge advantage. These factors and many more gave birth to the Caucus. More on this in my next column. amb_mac_lanto@yahoo.com The post BARMM Governors Caucus, for what? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Regional Specialty Centers eyed
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, author and principal sponsor of the Regional Specialty Center bill, recently stressed the significance of these facilities in providing accessible and specialized healthcare services to Filipinos across the country. In an ambush interview after attending the groundbreaking for the Super Health Center in Digos City, the lawmaker explained that the primary objective of these specialty centers is to bridge the gap between the people and essential specialized healthcare services. To recall, Congress on 31 May ratified the Bicameral Conference Report on the Regional Specialty Centers Act and the measure will soon be transmitted to the Office of the President for the approval of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. By establishing these specialty centers in various regional hospitals, Go believes that it will alleviate the burden faced by patients who have to travel to Manila and other urban areas for specialized treatments. He also said that the Department of Health will identify the regional hospitals capable of housing the specialty centers. The senator stressed the importance of bringing medical services closer to Filipinos who may face challenges in accessing healthcare in Metro Manila. Many citizens lack the means to travel to the capital, have no relatives there, and face additional expenses such as transportation, accommodation and food. With the establishment of the Regional Specialty Center, patients will have the opportunity to receive top-notch medical care from government health facilities in their own regions, saving them time, money and effort. Go also revealed plans to expand specialized medical services at the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City to include renal care, brain and spine treatment, and orthopedic services, eliminating the need for patients to travel to the Philippine Orthopedic Center in Quezon City, for example. According to the DoH’s timeline, the establishment of specialty centers in National Capital Region will take place in Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center, Quirino Memorial Medical Center, East Avenue Medical Center, Tondo Medical Center, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Valenzuela Medical Center, Las Piñas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center, Rizal Medical Center, and Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium. He also said that the Department of Health will identify the regional hospitals capable of housing the specialty centers. In Luzon, specialty centers will be established in Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, Region I Medical Center, Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center, Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center, Cagayan Valley Medical Center, Region II Trauma and Medical Center, Southern Isabela Medical Center, Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center, Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center, Mariveles Mental Wellness and General Hospital, Batangas Medical Center, Ospital ng Palawan, Culion Sanitarium and General Hospital, Bicol Medical Center, Bicol Region General Hospital, Geriatric Medical Center, Bicol Medical Center, and Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center. The Visayas region will witness the creation of specialty centers in Western Visayas Medical Center, Western Visayas Sanitarium and General Hospital, Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center and Eastern Visayas Medical Center. In Mindanao, specialty centers will be established in Zamboanga City Medical Center, Northern Mindanao Medical Center, Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Medical Center, Southern Philippines Medical Center, Davao Regional Medical Center, Cotabato Regional and Medical Center, Caraga Regional Hospital, Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center, and Amai Pakpak Medical Center. The post Regional Specialty Centers eyed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go helps indigents in his visit to Cagayan De Oro
On Friday, 26 May, Senator Bong Go, together with the local government and concerned agencies, personally spearheaded relief efforts to aid struggling residents in Cagayan de Oro City. Held at the Cagayan de Oro City Hall Quadrangle, the senator and his team distributed food packs, vitamins, masks, snacks, and shirts to 2,000 residents. They also gave away a bicycle, cellular phone, pairs of shoes, caps, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select individuals. In his message, Go, who is an adopted son of the city, took the opportunity to express his gratitude to local government officials. Go likewise acknowledged the barangay officials and their commitment to serving their communities. He assured them of his full support and mentioned his filing of the Magna Carta for Barangays bill in recognition of their hard work and to address the challenges they face. The lawmaker continues to push his proposed measure, Senate Bill No. 197 which, if enacted, would provide a Magna Carta for Barangays. Furthermore, Go expressed his appreciation for the efforts of front liners and uniformed personnel such as the police, military, and firefighters, highlighting the crucial role they play in maintaining peace and order and combating criminal activities. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go then offered additional aid to those with health concerns as he advised them to visit the nearby Malasakit Centers at Northern Mindanao Medical Center and J.R. Borja General Hospital in the city. “Meron na tayong 157 Malasakit Centers sa buong bansa. Ang Malasakit Center ay one-stop shop na kung saan ang apat na ahensya ng gobyerno ay nasa loob ng ospital,” explained Go. 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 particularly poor and indigent patients have convenient access to medical assistance programs offered by the DSWD, DOH, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. 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. Through the collective efforts of 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. In Misamis Oriental, necessary funds were allocated to construct Super Health Centers in Libertad town and Barangay Balubal in Cagayan de Oro City. Go attended the groundbreaking ceremonies for these centers on the same day. Furthermore, additional Super Health Centers are slated to be built in Gingoog City, Binuangan, Balingasag, Claveria, Initao, and Tagoloan. Cagayan de Oro City will have a total of six Super Health Centers in different barangays. “Sa Cagayan (de Oro City), para manganak, magpagamot, yung basic lang na check-up, pwede na dito… Pwede rin i-expand ito. Pwedeng palakihin ng LGUs. Pwede nilang lagyan ng dialysis machine dahil ituturn over na ito sa LGU,” Go said. On the same day, Go distributed assistance to the poor residents in Libertad town, and another group of 300 individuals in Cagayan de Oro City, which came shortly after his attendance at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Super Health Center in Brgy. Balubal. Last 23 March, Senator Go was hailed by the local government of Cagayan de Oro City as an adopted son, acknowledging his notable contributions, not only to the city but to the nation as a whole. By virtue of Sangguniang Panglungsod Resolution No. 14480 presented by City Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy, the adoption of Go as the son of the city was in recognition of his unwavering efforts in serving the city and its constituents. To help further improve the city’s public service delivery, Go, as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported several infrastructure projects, including the construction of a drainage system and flood control structures along the Iponan River, acquisition of several ambulance units and fire and dump trucks, and the construction of a three-story multipurpose building in Barangay 33. He was also instrumental in the funding for flood control projects in Magsaysay, Medina, and Gingoog City; the construction of multipurpose buildings in Initao, Magsaysay, and Gingoog City; rehabilitation of local roads in Baliangao, Balingasag, Balingoan, Initao, Lagonglong, Laguindingan, Libertad, Lugait, Magsaysay, Manticao and El Salvador City; and construction of water systems in Balingasag and Jasaan. The post Bong Go helps indigents in his visit to Cagayan De Oro appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bridging healthcare gap
While the government has consistently strived to improve medical access, the reality remains that access to hospitals providing specialized healthcare services is still limited. Almost all specialty hospitals are located in Metro Manila. We have here the Philippine Heart Center, Lung Center of the Philippines, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, and the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, among others. As these specialty hospitals are some of the best in our country, many of our Filipinos from the provinces who suffer from serious diseases are constrained to travel to Manila just to ensure that they receive quality, affordable and specialized healthcare services necessary for their conditions. Having to worry over transportation and accommodation expenses on top of the already burdensome medical costs is simply too much, especially for our poor Filipinos who can barely earn enough for their daily needs. As I visited many disadvantaged communities nationwide, scores of our kababayans sought me out not only for medical assistance but also for help with their transportation expenses going to Manila, where the only hospitals that can address their health needs are located. The glaring need to bring these specialized medical services closer to our people in the provinces encourages me to continue advocating for a measure that will mandate the establishment of regional specialty centers nationwide. It is high time that we unburden our fellow Filipinos of unnecessary long travels and additional expenses just to get these services needed to save their lives. On 17 May, I sponsored Senate Bill 2212, which seeks to mandate the Department of Health to establish specialty centers in existing DoH hospitals in different regions within five years, rather than constructing entirely new specialty hospitals — a cost-efficient, faster and practical solution to address the issue. The proposal also aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which includes the establishment of specialty centers as part of the health-related legislative agenda of the administration. Moreover, if enacted into law, the DoH will be required to allocate capital outlay investments and work closely with the Department of Budget and Management to develop staffing patterns and standards for the specialty centers, securing positions for healthcare workers serving in these facilities. Particular emphasis will be placed on establishing heart, lung, and kidney centers that replicate the capabilities of the National Specialty Centers in Metro Manila. This is also a way to decongest our existing specialty hospitals. For instance, the establishment of mental health centers in various DoH hospitals would help decongest the National Center for Mental Health in Mandaluyong City. As chair of the Senate Committee on Health, I believe that physical, emotional, and mental health are all equally important, and I will continue to support measures that would protect and promote the different aspects of health as a whole. Thus, on the same day, I also co-sponsored the proposed Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act filed by Senator Win Gatchalian. If said bill is passed into law, a Care Center in basic education schools will be established. This will not only benefit the students but also the teaching and non-teaching personnel. Previously, I likewise filed SBN 1786 which aims to mandate Public Higher Education Institutions to establish Mental Health Offices in their respective campuses. Meanwhile, together with my team, I was in Cagayan on 18 May to join in the Sarakat Festival, attend the inauguration of the Super Health Center, and provide aid to 1,500 indigents in the town of Santa Praxedes, where I was honored to be its adopted son. We then headed to Lal-lo town where I witnessed the groundbreaking of another Super Health Center and also led another relief operation for 1,500 more struggling residents in the town. The following day, I visited Jordan, Guimaras, where I attended a volleyball tournament as part of the Manggahan Festival of the province and personally checked on the operations of the Malasakit Center at Dr. Catalino Gallego Nava Provincial Hospital. We also aided 217 patients and 512 frontliners in the hospital while the Department of Social Welfare and Development assisted 118 qualified patients. Later that day, we visited Buenavista, Guimaras where I led the groundbreaking of the town’s Super Health Center, spearheaded a relief operation for 1,462 indigents, and visited local infrastructure initiatives we earlier supported during the Duterte administration such as the Buenavista Wharf and seawall. Last week, my outreach teams also helped many of our fellow Filipinos in need, including 50 indigents in Libertad, 50 in Salay, and 1,735 in Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental; 153 in Agusan del Norte; 255 in Belison, Antique; 419 in Laurel, Batangas; 150 in Quezon City; 1,550 in Manila City; 666 in Limay, Bataan; 108 in Malolos City, Bulacan; 233 in Maria Aurora in Aurora; 366 in Kalawit and 333 in Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte; and 1,912 families affected by armed conflict in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur. Fire-hit households, including 21 in Lapu-Lapu City, 99 in Mandaue City, and 171 in Cebu City in the province of Cebu; and six in Angeles City, Pampanga were also assisted. Aside from pushing for the establishment of regional specialty centers, I continue to support our Malasakit Centers and Super Health Centers to provide more accessible medical assistance programs and basic health services, respectively, to more of our fellow Filipinos. It is my hope that, with the support of our fellow workers in the government, we can continue bringing medical services closer to the people, particularly the economically disadvantaged and those residing in far-flung areas, to help address the urgent need to bridge the healthcare gap across the country. After all, it is enshrined in our Constitution, as a matter of state policy, that “the State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people” and that “the State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and other social services available to all the people at affordable cost.” As elected representatives of the Filipino people, it is our solemn duty to realize these state policies. These programs and measures will not only protect and promote such rights but will make this a living testament to our collective desire to help provide a more comfortable life for Filipinos. The post Bridging healthcare gap appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kuya Bong inaugurates Sta. Praxedes Super Health Center
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go continues efforts to help bring public health services closer to communities in far-flung areas as he traveled north of the country to personally attend the inauguration of the Super Health Center in Santa Praxedes, Cagayan last Thursday. Accompanied by local officials, including Vice Governor Melvin Vargas Jr., Sta. Praxedes Mayor Esterlina Aguinaldo and acting Vice Mayor Gil Buenavista, the senator reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to improve access to basic healthcare for those who need government attention the most. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. The Department of Health — the lead implementing agency — identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. Services offered in Super Health Centers will include database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray and ultrasound), pharmacy and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose and throat service, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation center and telemedicine, where remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will be done. Apart from Sta. Praxedes, the DoH also identified other areas in Cagayan province where more Super Health Centers will be established, including Peñablanca, Sta. Teresita, Buguey, Aparri, Sto. Niño, Tuao and Lal-lo — the last one’s groundbreaking having been personally attended by Go later that day. Go also encouraged the public to take advantage of the services offered in the Malasakit Center located at Cagayan Valley Medical Center in Tuguegarao City. Following the inauguration, the lawmaker joined the celebration of Sarakat Festival at municipal hall grounds which is the annual celebration in Sta. Praxedes, commencing the feast of the patron saint of the town, St. Isidore de Labrador. During the festival, Go was honored as an adopted son of Sta. Praxedes. The resolution adopted by the Sangguniang Bayan on 8 May 2023 stated that Go “has been consistently giving various kind of assistance to the Local Government Unit of Sta. Praxedes for the past few years.” The senator also led a relief operation at the municipal gymnasium for 1,500 indigents. Go and his team distributed grocery packs, masks, vitamins, snacks and shirts while they also gave away bicycles, mobile phones, shoes, watches, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients. The post Kuya Bong inaugurates Sta. Praxedes Super Health Center appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go attends inauguration of SHC, joins Sarakat Festival festivities in Cagayan
Senator Bong Go continues efforts to help bring public health services closer to communities in far-flung areas as he traveled north of the country to personally attend the inauguration of the Super Health Center in Santa Praxedes, Cagayan on Thursday, 18 May. Accompanied by local officials, including Vice Governor Melvin “Boy” Vargas Jr., Sta. Praxedes Mayor Esterlina Aguinaldo and acting Vice Mayor Gil Buenavista, among others, the senator reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to improving access to basic healthcare for those who need government attention the most. “Bilang Chairman ng Committee on Health sa Senado, isa po sa aking priority (ay) ito pong Super Health Centers. Sa tulong po ng kasamahan ko sa Kongreso, sa DOH, at sa mga LGUs natin, mas mailalapit natin ang serbisyo medikal mula sa gobyerno sa mga taong nangangailangan nito,” Go explained. Through the collective efforts of 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. “Pwede i-expand yan ng LGU pagdating ng panahon. Kung gusto niyong lagyan ng dialysis machine, pwede po lagyan ng dialysis center,” he explained, adding that these centers will be turned over to and managed by the LGU upon construction. Apart from Sta. Praxedes, the DOH also identified other areas in Cagayan province where more Super Health Centers will be established, including Peñablanca, Sta. Teresita, Buguey, Aparri, Sto. Niño, Tuao, and Lal-lo — the last one’s groundbreaking having been personally attended by Go later that day. Go also encouraged the public to take advantage of the services offered in the Malasakit Center located at Cagayan Valley Medical Center in Tuguegarao City. “Meron na po tayong 157 Malasakit Center sa buong Pilipinas na handang tumulong po sa mga poor and indigent patients. Ang Malasakit Center po ay batas na, isinulong ko noon sa tulong ng mga kasamahan ko sa Kongreso, at pinirmahan ni dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte. Para po yan sa mga poor and indigent patients para matulungan kayo sa inyong mga medical expenses,” explained Go, who principally authored and sponsored Republic Act No. 11463. Following the inauguration, Go joined the celebration of the Sarakat Festival at the municipal hall grounds. The Sarakat Festival is the annual celebration in Sta. Praxedes, commencing the feast of the patron saint of the town, St. Isidore de Labrador. During the festival, Go was honored as an adopted son of Sta. Praxedes. The resolution adopted by the Sangguniang Bayan on 8 May 2023 stated that Go “has been consistently giving various kinds of assistance to the Local Government Unit of Sta. Praxedes for the past few years.” “Bilang inyong kasangga sa Senado, asahan niyo na ako ay tutulong sa inyong lugar sa abot ng aking makakaya. Araw at gabi po nagta-trabaho ako. Hindi ko kayang makitang naghihirap ang ating mga kababayan, di ko matiis na umupo lang sa opisina at magpalamig dahil ang bisyo ko talaga ay ang magserbisyo,” expressed Go. “Happy Sarakat Festival po sa inyo dito. At salamat po na in-adopt niyo ko, (naging) adopted son (ako) dito sa Sta. Praxedes. Ituring niyo po ako bilang isang kuya niyo, bilang kapatid niyo ho dito,” he said. The senator also led a relief operation at the municipal gymnasium for 1,500 indigents. Go and his team distributed grocery packs, masks, vitamins, snacks, and shirts while they also gave away bicycles, mobile phones, shoes, watches, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients. Go, as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, likewise maintained that he will continue to contribute to the town’s progress as he earlier supported the construction of embankment protection, flood control, and slope protection structures. He also supported the acquisition of a dump truck for the community. After the event, the senator headed to Lal-lo where he witnessed the groundbreaking of another Super Health Center and also led another relief operation to more disadvantaged residents. The post Bong Go attends inauguration of SHC, joins Sarakat Festival festivities in Cagayan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bringing people gov’t services
The dry season has brought not only uncomfortably higher temperatures across our country but also a slew of “summer diseases” that range from sore eyes to skin conditions and heat stroke. These health problems are not trivial matters. Heat stroke, in particular, poses a significant threat, especially to our kababayans whose work requires them to stay under the blistering heat of the sun. Most of them are our fellow Filipinos in underserved areas who do not have access to electricity and worse, the health services that they need. Following our state weather bureau’s recent announcement that it may issue an El Niño alert by next month, all the more we must prioritize our health as we brace for warmer days ahead. This is why, we also continue striving to bring public healthcare services closer to our fellow Filipinos, especially the needy, the helpless, and the hopeless who have no one else to turn to but our government. Part of these initiatives are the Malasakit Centers and Super Health Centers which we initiated and continue to provide to communities in need. Each Malasakit Center serves as a one-stop shop for medical assistance from different government agencies. The Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which I principally authored and sponsored, institutionalized the program. The program has so far helped over seven million particularly poor and indigent Filipinos through the 157 Malasakit Centers nationwide, according to the Department of Health. We have also been supportive of the establishment of Super Health Centers in areas identified by the DoH as the lead implementing agency. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for the construction of 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. As chair of the Senate Committee on Health, I took the time last week to visit some of these Malasakit Centers and SHC in various parts of the country to check on their operations or the progress of their construction. On 17 April, we kicked off the week with a monitoring visit to the Malasakit Center at Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital in Roxas City, Capiz where we also checked on the ongoing construction of the new building of the hospital which I supported for funding the previous years as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance. I likewise personally led the distribution of aid to 218 indigent patients and 666 front liners of the hospital while representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided financial assistance to the qualified patients and 59 utility workers. We attended the groundbreaking of the Super Health Centers in Panay and Panitan towns in Capiz where we also aided indigent residents from each town. We then proceeded to Bacolod City in Negros Occidental to visit another Malasakit Center at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital where we aided 375 patients and 1,877 hospital front liners, including security guards, utilities, and other hospital staff. Indigent patients, 148 qualified security guards, and hospital utility workers also received financial assistance from the DSWD. In Bacolod City, we joined the Panaad Festival celebration and assisted 1,000 struggling residents. The following day in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, we witnessed the groundbreaking of the city’s Super Health Center and provided aid to 1,000 of its residents. A visit to the Malasakit Center at Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center was meant to assess the continuing services to the public and aid 573 patients and 1,550 front liners. A team from the DSWD also extended financial assistance to the patients and 119 qualified hospital workers, including housekeeping and security guards. We witnessed the groundbreaking of the town’s Super Health Center in Umingan, Pangasinan on the same day, and helped 709 persons with disabilities. The inspections of other centers and aid distributions continued for the rest of the week. On 21 April, we flew to Samar where we inspected the SHC in Santa Margarita and assisted 1,000 town residents. In Calbayog, we aided 216 fire victims and 1,000 indigents. During our visit to the Girl Scouts of the Philippines in Camp Alano, Davao City, we expressed support for their endeavors in recognition of their role in women empowerment and nation-building. On 22 April, we conducted a monitoring visit to the Malasakit Center at Quirino Province Medical Center in Cabarroguis where we helped 101 patients and 830 front liners while the DSWD aided the patients and 317 qualified front liners. We joined the town’s 6th Quirino Motorismo. A total of 500 residents in Saguday, Quirino received aid before we inspected the ongoing construction of the SHC. My teams assisted 100 indigent families in Casiguran, 100 in San Luis, and 100 in Dipaculao, Aurora; 100 in La Paz, 200 in Talacogon,100 in Sibagat, 100 in Bayugan, 100 in Esperanza, 100 in Prosperidad, and 550 in Sta. Josefa and Trento, Agusan del Sur; 1,427 in Iba, Zambales; 33 in Sta Rita, Pampanga; 495 households affected by separate fire incidents in Cagayan de Oro City and Tagoloan, and 500 in Binuangan, Misamis Oriental; and 54 fire victims in Maramag, Valencia City, Malaybalay City and Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. I was also honored to be able to attend the Philippine Councilors League — Quezon province chapter seminar in Davao City on 20 April, and the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas-National Cluster Barangay Congress in Pasay City yesterday. Our jobs are no different from each other; we have the same mandate to serve our people. Local leaders are our partners in ensuring that their constituents are well supported to effect real positive change from the local to the national level. Amid the challenges we face, let not these trials beat and hinder us from doing our duties and reaching out to more of our struggling Filipinos in their times of need. Let us all strive to bring public services, particularly healthcare, closer to our people. The post Bringing people gov’t services appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go aids fire victims in Cagayan de Oro City and Misamis Orintal
The Office of Senator Bong Go distributed aid to a total of 495 households that were affected by separate fire incidents in Cagayan de Oro City and Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental on Wednesday, 19 April. In his message, Go reminded the fire victims, “Ang pera po kikitain natin magsipag lang tayo. Ngunit ang perang kikitain ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever. Kaya pangalagaan po natin ang buhay ng bawat isa.” Go then cited that through Republic Act No. 11589 or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act, which he primarily authored and co-sponsored, the agency is being equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities to boost its efficiency and responsiveness. Held at the Tagoloan Dome and Sto. Niño covered court in Barangay Lapansan, Cagayan de Oro City, Go’s team led the distribution of grocery packs, vitamins, masks, snacks, and shirts to the victims. Shoes and balls for basketball and volleyball were also provided to select beneficiaries. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go offered assistance to those in need of medical care. He informed the public that there are Malasakit Centers in Cagayan de Oro City located in Northern Mindanao Medical Center and JR Borja General Hospital where they may apply for medical assistance. Signed into law in 2019, the Malasakit Centers Act mandates all Department of Health-run hospitals and Philippine General Hospital in Manila City to establish their own centers to ensure that poor and indigent patients have convenient access to medical assistance programs offered by the DSWD, DOH, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Currently, there are 157 operational centers that have assisted over seven million Filipinos nationwide, according to the DOH. Go also aims to bring the government’s public health services closer to Filipinos as he supported the construction of Super Health Centers in Binuangan, Balubal, San Simon, Libertad, Balingasag, Claveria, Initao, Tagoloan, and Gingoog City. To further improve the province’s public service delivery, Go, as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported several infrastructure projects, including flood control projects in Magsaysay, Medina, and Gingoog City; construction of multipurpose buildings in Initao, Magsaysay, and Gingoog City; rehabilitation of local roads in Baliangao, Balingasag, Balingoan, Initao, Lagonglong, Laguindingan, Libertad, Lugait, Magsaysay, Manticao and El Salvador City; and construction of water systems in Balingasag and Jasaan. He was also instrumental in the funding for the construction of a drainage system and flood control structures along the Iponan River, the acquisition of several ambulance units and fire and dump trucks, and the construction of a three-story multipurpose building in Barangay 33 in Cagayan de Oro City. “Ako po bilang inyong senador, asahan niyo po na ako ay tutulong sa abot ng aking makakaya. Huwag po kayong magpasalamat sa akin, ako po ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan niyo ho ako ng pagkakataon na pagsilbihan po kayong lahat,” he concluded. On 18 April, Go’s team also aided indigent residents in Binuangan, Misamis Oriental. The post Bong Go aids fire victims in Cagayan de Oro City and Misamis Orintal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Oplan Harabas yields 3 drivers positive for drugs
FOLLOWING the surprise drug test conducted by the Land Transportation Office (LTO)-Davao and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on public utility vehicles (PUVs) last March 26, 2024, two taxi drivers in Davao City were found to be positive for drugs......»»
Ati tribe fenced off in Boracay
Tension has sparked in Boracay after security guards allegedly fenced off parcels of land owned by members of the Ati tribe......»»