Bong Go visits Nagcarlan, Laguna to aid indigents and join ribbon-cutting of town’s new public market

June 21, 2023

3–5 minutes

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the newly constructed public market, which he supported the funding of as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, in Nagcarlan, Laguna on Tuesday, June 20.

The senator highlighted the vital role of infrastructure development in boosting local economies and improving the lives of citizens. He added that by investing in infrastructure, such as the public market, the government stimulates local businesses and attracts investors, ultimately leading to job creation and increased income for residents.

Go then recognized the public officials, including Congressman Amben Amante, Congresswoman Ruth Hernandez, Governor Ramil Hernandez, Vice Governor Karen Agapay, Nagcarlan Mayor Elmor Vita, Vice Mayor Rexon Arevalo, and Councilor Generoso “Rey” Comendador for working together to make the said project possible.

“Masaya rin po ako na natapos na rin po ang inyong public market dito, na noon po’y isang pinangarap natin. Ang sabi ko noon, susubukan ko po na matulungan kayo sa abot ng aking makakaya sa pagpapatayo nito. Ngayon po, mayroon na kayong three-story na napakaganda po na public market. Congratulations po sa inyo dito sa Nagcarlan,” Go expressed.

Go was instrumental in pushing for necessary funding for the completion of the new public market during the Duterte administration.

“Napakapalad ng bayan ng Nagcarlan dahil kahit kailan ay hindi tayo pinabayaan ng tunay na nagseserbisyo sa ating bansa. Ang taong ito, halalan man o walang halalan, ay tunay na malalapitan sa isang tawag mo lang. Ganyan si Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go,” Congressman Amante highlighted in his short speech.

“Maliit o malaking bayan, nandiyan si Senator Bong Go. Nangailangan ang bayan ng Nagcarlan ng isang maganda at maayos na pamilihang bayan, hindi nag-atubili (si senator) at ngayon ay papakinabanagan na pamilihang bayan ng Nagcarlan sa pangunguna ni Senator Bong Go,” Amante expressed.

The senator also emphasized the importance of accessibility and connectivity in enhancing trade and livelihood opportunities as he likewise supported the construction of a farm-to-market road in Barangay Manaol.

Go, who also Chairs the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, likewise supported the acquisition of two ambulance units for the local government and the renovation of the Nagcarlan District Hospital.

Still in line with his health advocacy, Go encouraged those with health concerns to seek the services of the Malasakit Centers in the province located at Laguna Medical Center in Sta. Cruz and San Pablo City General Hospital.

The Malasakit Centers program, a brainchild of Senator Go, aims to streamline and expedite the delivery of medical assistance to particularly poor and indigent patients by consolidating the services of various government agencies under one roof. The program was launched in 2018 and was later institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which Go principally authored and sponsored in the Senate. To date, there are 158 Malasakit Centers nationwide.

The senator also continues to promote the establishment of Super Health Centers nationwide. In the province of Laguna, 11 such centers were already funded.

Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. The said center is an enhanced version of a rural health unit, offering basic health services.

After the ribbon-cutting, Go and his team mounted a distribution activity at the municipal gymnasium for 1,500 indigent residents.

The beneficiaries received grocery packs, snacks, masks, and vitamins from the senator, as well as financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

In addition, the senator gave away shirts, bicycles, cellphones, shoes, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select individuals.

“Maraming salamat sa inyong mainit na pagtanggap dito sa akin sa Nagcarlan. Nandito po kami para makatulong sa mga kababayan nating mahihirap. Nandito po kami para makatulong sa mga pasyente, nandirito po kami para makatulong sa mga proyektong nakakatulong sa pag-unlad ng inyong bayan. Higit sa lahat, nandirito po kami para mag-iwan ng konting ngiti sa panahon ng inyong pagdadalamhati. Masaya po kaming uuwi ngayong araw na ito,” said Go, an adopted son of CALABARZON.

“Tandaan po natin, minsan lang po tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa, gawin na po natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito. Ako po ang inyong Senator Kuya Bong Go, patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat. Dahil ako po ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo po sa tao, serbisyo po ‘yan sa Diyos,” he concluded.

On the same day, Go visited the city of Sta. Rosa where he inspected its Super Health Center and provided more assistance to indigents.