Senator Christopher “Bong” Go shared his story of a near-death experience riding a chopper to Basilan to launch a Malasakit Center in the province last August 14. Fortunately, they landed safely but despite the experience, he stressed that it will be an honor to die while serving the country.

“While on my way to Basilan, the helicopter I was riding encountered problems. Fortunately, nobody was hurt and we landed safely. I believe that if it is our appointed time to meet our Maker, then it is our time, wherever we may be,” said Go.

“I am not afraid to die, especially if it happens while opening a Malasakit Center that can help save the lives of others. It is an honor to die in service of my beloved country knowing that ours is just a borrowed life — what we do with it to bring positive change to others defines us,” he added.

Citing his recent experience, Go said it became a realization for him to make the most of his life while contributing to the betterment of his fellow Filipinos.

“Ako po’y naniniwala kung panahon mo na po sa mundong ito, panahon mo na talaga kahit saan ka pumunta. Kung kukunin ka na ng Diyos, Panginoon o Allah, wala ka pong magagawa,” the Senator said.

“So hindi natin masabi kung kailan ho tayo papanaw sa mundong ito. At ako naman po ay naniniwala kung panahon ko na po ngayong araw na ito para sa akin po isang karangalan na mamamatay na nagseserbisyo po para sa aking bayan, wala akong magagawa,” he continued.

Over the weekend, Go attended the launch of Malasakit Centers at the Basilan General Hospital in Isabela City, Basilan and Labuan General Hospital in Zamboanga City. The country now has 136 Malasakit Centers nationwide ready to help those needing medical assistance.

The center’s primary aim is to help reduce a patients’ hospital bill to the lowest possible amount by covering various patient services and expenses through the existing medical assistance programs which are now accessible in a one-stop shop. Go authored and sponsored the bill that became Republic Act No. 11463, also known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.

Go then expressed his gratitude to God for keeping him away from harm, adding that his life may have been saved because he still has a mission to complete.

“So salamat po, salamat sa Panginoon, salamat kay Allah na binuhay pa po ako ngayong araw na ito. Marahil po’y marami pa tayong mission sa mundong ito,” the Senator said.

“Ako naman po ay naniniwala, kaya nga po sa mga kababayan natin…ito pakinggan niyo itong sasabihin ko sa inyo. Ang buhay po ay napaka-ikli lamang, hindi natin masabi biglang ganon lang parang ‘pag pinatay lang ‘yung ilaw, ganon lang po kabilis,” he added.

Go then reminded Filipinos to use the lives they have been given meaningfully and purposefully to help others as he assured them that he and President Rodrigo Duterte will continue to serve the people as it is merely another way of serving God.

“Tandaan natin minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung anumang kabutihan o tulong ang puwede natin gawin sa atin kapwa tao, gawin na po natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” reminded Go.

“Kami po ni Pangulong Duterte patuloy po kaming magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil para sa amin po ang serbisyo sa tao, serbisyo po ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo po ‘yan kay Allah,” he assured.