With Most Exemplary Philanthropic Leader of the Nation Award

THE Fraternal Order of Eagles – Philippine Eagles, Okada Elite Eagles Club hosted the first-ever Gawad Agila Awards at the Grand Ballroom in Okada Manila, where it recognized Senator Christopher “Bong” Go as the “Most Exemplary Philanthropic Leader of the Nation.”

In his video message, Go expressed his gratitude to the fraternal organization and emphasized that the said recognition further strengthens his resolve to continue working tirelessly for the betterment of the Filipino people.

“It is with great humility and gratitude that I accept this prestigious award for the Most Exemplary Philanthropic Leader of the Nation. I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Fraternal Order of Eagles – Philippine Eagles and the Okada Elite Eagles Club,” Go said.

“Sa aking mga kuya at ate, salamat po. With or without this award or recognition, ipagpatuloy po natin ang pagseserbisyo sa kapwa at pagtulong sa mga pinakanangangailangan sa abot ng ating makakaya,” he added. The term ‘kuya’ and ‘ate’ is often used by Eagles members to address fellow members.

Continuing his message, the senator reassured that he remains a champion for the welfare of the people, promoting accessible healthcare and providing assistance to vulnerable sectors.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go primarily authored and sponsored Republic Act No. 11463, otherwise known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which mandates the creation of one-stop shops to provide more convenient medical assistance to particularly poor and indigent Filipinos. The centers bring together different government agencies, such as the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, to streamline the process of availing medical aid from the government. There are now 157 such centers nationwide with over seven million Filipinos benefitting from the program so far.

Furthermore, Go continues to advocate for the establishment of more Super Health Centers across the country. Through the efforts of Go and fellow lawmakers, some 307 Super Health Centers were funded in 2022 and another 322 in 2023.

The Super Health Centers provide convenient access to basic health services, such as database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation center; and telemedicine, where remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will be done.

“I have always believed that true leadership is about service to others. Naniniwala ako na sa paggamit ng ating posisyon at impluwensya upang maghatid ng positibong pagbabago sa buhay ng ating mga pinagsisilbihan. I am grateful to the Eagles for recognizing my efforts to promote this kind of leadership,” he continued. \

Meanwhile, Go also reiterated his support for stronger law enforcement to efficiently address various issues in the country, especially drug-related crimes, and to promote peace and order.

The lawmaker was also instrumental in pushing for other measures, such as the Salary Standardization Law 5, Expansion of the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act, Department of Migrant Workers Act, National Academy of Sports, and Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act, among others.

“Ilan lamang po ito sa mga batas na ating naipasa at na-file sa Senado at gagawin ko ang aking makakaya upang maitaguyod ang pagsasabatas ng mga ito dahil alam ko pong malaki ang maitutulong nito sa pagpapabuti sa pamumuhay ng ating mga kababayan,” Go highlighted.

“Ang parangal na ito ay hindi lamang para sa akin kundi para sa lahat ng taong sumuporta sa ating mga adhikain bilang isang lingkod-bayan.

Ito ay para sa mga matiyagang Pilipino na patuloy na nagbibigay ng inspirasyon sa kapwa upang magtrabaho ng walang humpay para sa kabutihan ng ating bansa,” he expressed.

In closing, Senator Go assured that he will continue working hard to help address the pressing needs of the Filipino people and vowed to uphold the values that earned him the award.

“Let us continue to develop a deep sense of camaraderie as we work towards a common goal of building a better and brighter future for our country and our fellow Filipinos,” said Go.

“Muli, nagpapasalamat ako sa inyo para sa pagkilala na ito. Patuloy kong gagawin ang aking makakaya upang maglingkod sa mga Pilipino ng buong puso,” he ended.