- Calls her a modern-day hero
Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go honored government nurse Kelvin Rod Castro, 35, as a modern-day hero after he lost his life after returning from a measles-rubella supplemental immunization activity in Catbalogan City, Samar, extending his deepest condolences and assistance to the bereaved family.
On Tuesday, September 1, Go spoke with Castro’s family through a video call, expressing his sympathies and assuring them that they are not alone during this difficult time.
Castro was a Department of Health nurse assigned to the Catbalogan City Health Office and a resident of Purok 3, Barangay Canlapwas, Catbalogan City.
Police said Castro and a fellow nurse from the City Health Office had just conducted a measles-rubella supplemental immunization activity in Barangay Canhawan Gote on August 27. After carrying out their duties, the two proceeded to the docking area for motorboats to wait for their ride back to Catbalogan City.
It was while waiting for their ride home that tragedy struck. Castro sat under a waiting shed when the structure suddenly collapsed, causing a concrete slab to fall directly on him. He was trapped beneath the debris and sustained severe blunt force trauma to the head, with suspected traumatic brain injury and skull fracture.
According to Go, Castro’s death underscores the sacrifices made by healthcare workers who continue to serve communities, even in challenging and dangerous circumstances.
“Lubos po ang aking pakikiramay sa pamilya ni Kelvin. Napakasakit mawalan ng isang mahal sa buhay, lalo na sa ganitong biglaang pangyayari. Sana po ay bigyan kayo ng Panginoon ng lakas at katatagan sa panahong ito,” Go said.
Go conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Castro’s mother, Marilyn Jabonete Agbon, and the rest of the bereaved family. He also extended financial assistance to help the family with their immediate needs, and sent a letter of condolences, a mass card, and wreath flowers in honor of Castro.
According to Mr. Malasakit, Castro’s story reflects the dedication of healthcare workers who go beyond their regular duties to protect and serve fellow Filipinos. He said nurses, healthcare workers, rescuers, disaster response teams, first responders, and other Filipinos who willingly put themselves at risk in the service of others are among the country’s modern-day heroes.
“Marami po tayong mga makabagong bayani. Ang ating mga nurses, healthcare workers, rescuers, disaster response teams, at mga first responders ay patuloy na nagsasakripisyo at nagsisilbi para sa kapwa Pilipino. Dapat po nating kilalanin, pahalagahan, at suportahan ang kanilang serbisyo,” Go said.
Go has consistently pushed for measures that protect and improve the welfare of healthcare workers. He has been among those who pressed for the release of the Health Emergency Allowance (HEA) for qualified healthcare workers who rendered service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In September 2025, the Department of Budget and Management committed to release PhP6.77 billion in outstanding HEA claims following Go’s repeated calls for the government to settle the benefits due to health workers.
Furthermore, in the 20th Congress, he filed Senate Bill No. 406, or the Advanced Nursing Education Act of 2025, which seeks to amend the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002 to provide an advanced nursing education program.
He is also one of the authors and co-sponsors of SBN 1905, or the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers, which seeks to provide stronger protections and benefits for barangay health workers.
Castro’s remains were initially brought to Faith Funeral Homes in Catbalogan City before being transferred to his family residence in Barangay 5, Sto. Niño Street, Calbiga, Samar, where the wake will continue until September 4.
A funeral mass will be held on September 5 at the Calbiga Parish Church, Our Lady of Annunciation. He will subsequently be laid to rest at Eco Memorial in Bacyaran, Calbiga, Samar.
“Mga kababayan ko, mag-ingat po tayo parati. Bukas po ang aking opisina para sa inyong lahat at tutulong po ako sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” he said.
