Bong Go engages with OFW advocates in pursuit of more programs and policies benefiting modern-day heroes

📸Senator Bong Go facebook page

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), whom he called the country’s modern-day heroes, during a special gathering of OFW advocates, transport sector leaders, and recruitment industry stakeholders held on Tuesday, April 8, at the Heritage Hotel in Pasay City.

The event, organized by ARANGKADA Pilipino Partylist, led by Aniceto “John” Bertiz III, the group’s First Nominee, served as a celebration and show of support for Senator Go’s advocacies and ongoing public service, particularly in support of Filipino migrant workers.

In his remarks, Go reaffirmed his commitment to protecting and promoting the welfare of OFWs, citing several key initiatives he advocated for in the Senate.

Among his landmark initiatives is the creation of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). As one of the authors and a co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 11641 which was signed into law by former president Rodrigo Duterte in December 2021, the measure created the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), aiming to consolidate and streamline government services to better address the needs of overseas Filipinos.

“Isinulong ko po ang Department of Migrant Workers… at bago pa matapos ang termino ni dating Pangulong Duterte, napirmahan n’ya po ito kaya ngayon meron na tayong Department of Migrant Workers. Para po ‘yan sa ating modern-day heroes natin,” said Go.

“Masaya po ako na meron ng Department of Migrant Workers. Meron na silang masasandalan at meron ng tututok sa mga OFWs,” he added.

Recognizing the unique health needs of OFWs, Go also filed Senate Bill No. 2297, which seeks to institutionalize the OFW Hospital in San Fernando City, Pampanga. The OFW Hospital was established through Executive Order No. 154, signed in 2021 by then-President Rodrigo Duterte, and was officially inaugurated on May 1, 2022. It serves as the country’s primary healthcare facility dedicated to OFWs and their dependents.

To expand its capabilities, he filed SBN 2990, proposing to double the hospital’s bed capacity from 50 to 100 and upgrade its equipment and staffing. Furthermore, Go filed SBN 2414, or the OFW Ward Act, which seeks to mandate the establishment of dedicated OFW wards in all Department of Health (DOH) hospitals nationwide.

Senator Go also highlighted his efforts to bring government services closer to the people, particularly through Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers, and Regional Specialty Centers, which provide accessible and affordable healthcare to Filipinos.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where patients can seek assistance for hospital expenses, reducing out-of-pocket costs. It was institutionalized under RA 11463, principally authored and sponsored by Go, and now operates 167 centers nationwide.

Through the concerted efforts of Senator Go, fellow lawmakers, the DOH led by Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, and local government units, adequate funding was allocated for establishing more than 700 Super Health Centers nationwide to bring primary care closer to communities.

Senator Go also principally sponsored and is one of the authors of RA 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act. The law mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals to bring specialized medical services closer to Filipinos across the country.

The groups in attendance, composed of OFW Advocates, sectoral leaders and fellow public servants, expressed their appreciation for Go’s continued support and public service.

The evening served as a powerful reminder that collaboration between government leaders and sectoral groups is essential to building a more equitable and empowered society, especially for workers and their families.

“Meron po akong konting payo sa inyo. Minsan lang po tayong dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano po ang kabutihan na magagawa natin sa ating kapwa, gawin na po natin ngayon dahil minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Ako po ang inyong Senator Kuya Bong Go, patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyo,” he ended.

Earlier that day, Go was in Iloilo City where he attended the Liga ng Barangay event of Bulacan barangay leaders.