Go bats for continued effort toward pandemic recovery

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bong Go yesterday urged newly elected leaders to ensure continued efforts toward pandemic recovery and better preparedness by further investing in the country’s health care system.

Go, who chairs the Senate health committee, said the ongoing pandemic has exposed persistent weaknesses in the Philippines’ health care system.

“We have taken a significant step back due to COVID-19, but we must reconstruct our lives as we continue to overcome the pandemic. We must reset, recoup and rebound,” he said.

Go said there is a need for government to be more proactive and consistently examine policies “regardless of inevitable changes in leadership.”

He also encouraged new leaders to carry on President Duterte’s legacy, notably the strengthening of Malasakit Centers across the country “to ensure that poor Filipinos continue to have easy access to government-sponsored medical aid programs.”

“Let us make sure that the poor and the needy, especially those who depend on government assistance, are taken care of,” he added.

Go emphasized the need to work together despite different political beliefs for the development of the Philippines.

He said he will continue to support and advocate for more initiatives that benefit underprivileged Filipinos, particularly those that can strengthen and expand the health care system.

As Duterte’s term draws to a close, Go expressed his gratitude to him for his outstanding service to the country and for keeping his pledge to provide a comfortable life for all Filipinos.