Emphasizes importance of volunteerism in community service

SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go emphasized the importance of volunteerism, healthcare innovations, and community partnerships as he joined the celebrations marking the 77th Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and the 75th Anniversary of its Quezon City Chapter on April 15.

Upon the invitation of PRC Quezon City Chapter Governor Ernesto Isla, Go first attended the inauguration of the new PRC Quezon City Chapter building at the Liwasang Aurora inside the QC Hall compound, followed by the mass oath-taking ceremony for around 6,000 new PRC volunteers held at the QC Memorial Circle.

During the inauguration, Go expressed his profound gratitude to the volunteers and citizens who allow him to serve: “Huwag po kayong magpasalamat sa amin. Sa totoo lang po, ako ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil ako po’y isang probinsyano na binigyan n’yo po ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo po sa inyo. Maraming-maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat.”

Highlighting the significance of the new facility, Go described it as not just a building, but a source of hope and support for many Filipinos: “Ang bagong pasilidad na ito ay hindi lang basta isang gusali, kundi isa ring sentro ng pag-asa at tulong. Ipinapakita nito ang ating hangaring maglingkod at ang patuloy nating dedikasyon na tumulong sa mga nangangailangan.”

The senator then shared that through the initiative of the PRC QC Chapter in coordination with his office, the Department of Health (DOH) is currently studying the possibility of including a Red Cross counter inside Malasakit Centers to provide easier access to their services such as their blood facilities to benefit poor and indigent patients.

“Pareho po tayo ng layunin — ang tumulong sa mga nangangailangan at mailapit ang serbisyo na kailangan para makapagligtas ng buhay lalo na pagdating sa kalusugan at kaligtasan ng bawat Pilipino,” shared Go.

Malasakit Centers are one-stop shops that 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. As of now, 162 Malasakit Centers are operational across the country, poised to assist with patients’ medical expenses. The DOH reports that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to more than ten million Filipinos.

Meanwhile, Go, who serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also shared his commitment to us.

During the oath-taking of Red Cross volunteers attended by mostly from the youth sector, Go reiterated his efforts in keeping the youth engaged in productive activities and teaching them the values of volunteerism, camaraderie, discipline and sportsmanship. He lauded them for volunteering to be part of the Red Cross, sharing his hopes that they will contribute to nation-building.

Meanwhile, to promote the welfare of volunteers, Go filed Senate Bill No. 1709, titled “Hazard Pay for All Disaster Personnel and Volunteers Act of 2023.” This legislation requires LGUs to provide hazard pay to the personnel of their Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (LDRRMOs), Barangay Risk Reduction and Management Committees (BRRMCs), and all accredited community disaster volunteers (ACDVs).

“Marami pong matutulungan ang inyong mga volunteers. Maraming buhay po ang maililigtas sa inyong pagbo-volunteer. At kayo po ang hero ng panahon ng mga krisis tulad noong pandemya. Sa pakikipagtulungan ng Red Cross, ng gobyerno, at ng ating mga kababayan, marami pong buhay na maililigtas,” he said.

During the celebrations, Go also acknowledged local officials including Mayor Joy Belmonte and Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, former mayor and speaker of the House of Representatives Feliciano Belmonte Jr., officials of the PRC including former senator, Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon, Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang, and other officials, members and volunteers of the PRC.