IN the wake of a devastating bus accident in Antique, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, known for his prompt response during crises, extended a helping hand to the affected families.

On December 9, his Malasakit Team visited the Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital (ASMGH) in San Jose de Buenavista town, delivering much-needed assistance.

The accident occurred on December 5 in Barangay Igbucagay, Hamtic in Antique, and claimed 18 lives and left seven in critical condition as of December 7. Four others survived unscathed.

The families of the victims received financial aid, grocery packs, snacks, shirts, masks, clothing, balls for basketball and volleyball, and other essentials.

“Lubos po kaming nagpapasalamat kay Senator Bong Go kasi kahit nasa malayo siya pero may pinapunta pa rin siya dito para makatulong sa amin. Maraming maraming salamat po Senator Bong Go,” said survivor Reyna Opiña as she thanked Go.

In his message, Go emphasized the importance of safety and the value of life. “Mag-ingat tayo palagi. Magtulungan lang po tayo, mga kababayan ko. Makakaahon din po tayo muli,” he said.

The relief operation was also attended by Antique Vice Governor Edgar “Ed” Denosta and other officials, underlining the collaborative effort in response to the tragedy.

Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also supported individuals requiring healthcare services. He advised them to seek assistance at the ASMGH, where a Malasakit Center is ready to assist them in managing their medical expenses.

Principally authored and sponsored by Go, Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 aims to provide indigent Filipino patients with convenient access to medical assistance programs offered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

He also continues to advocate for the establishment of Super Health Centers nationwide. Through the collective efforts of the DOH, local government units, and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds have been allocated under the DOH for the construction of 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. As the lead implementing agency, the DOH identifies the strategic areas where these Super Health Centers will be established.

“It is a significant step towards enhanced healthcare services in communities. ‘Yun po ang layunin ng mga Super Health Centers, ang ilapit sa mamamayan ang serbisyong medikal ng gobyerno,” he added.

Go also emphasized the significance of the recently passed RA 11959, which mandates the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers. As principal sponsor and one of its authors, the Regional Specialty Centers Act mandates the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers within existing DOH regional hospitals.

“Ito pong Regional Specialty Centers ay isa ring paraan para mailapit natin ang serbisyo medikal ng gobyerno sa ating mga kababayan lalung-lalo na po yung mga mahihirap,” he cited.