Go to push for the salary increase of health care professionals, lauds the President's high trust rating

During the 86th National Annual Convention of the Philippine Public Health Association, Inc., Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go said that he will push for the increase in the pay of public health professionals and other civilian government workers.

Attending the event are professionals from the public health system including doctors, nurses, midwives, barangay health workers, sanitation inspectors, and administrative staff.

In his speech, Go noted that one of the main concerns of public health workers is their meager salary which is why he would push for the said measure to help them fulfil their functions to the people they serve and at the same time, provide for their families.

"Alam ko din po na may kani-kaniyang hinaing din ang ating doctors, nurses, midwives, barangay health workers, sanitation inspectors, at iba pang administrative staff na bumubuo ng ating public health system. Isa na nga po rito ay ang mababang sahod na tinatanggap ninyo bawat buwan," Go said during the event on Wednesday.

"Kaya naman sisikapin ko na maipasa na ang Salary Standardization Law 5 na matagal nang minimithi, hindi lang ng ating mga public health professionals kundi pati na rin ng ating ibang kasamahan sa gobyerno, lalo na yung mga nasa rank and file," he added.

Meanwhile, Go also shared his legislative agenda that focuses mostly on improving access to quality healthcare in the country. One of these measures is the Malasakit Center Bill which seeks to institutionalize Malasakit Center offices in the country.

Malasakit Centers are a one-stop shop for Filipinos wanting to avail medical assistance from various government agencies including the Department of Health, PhilHealth, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

There are currently 37 active Malasakit Centers nationwide serving millions of Filipinos, while more are about to be launched in the cities of Vigan and Naga, among others.

Go said that the institutionalization of these 'one-stop shops' through the passage of his Malasakit Center Bill will ensure their continuing functionality and sustainability in providing fast, affordable and quality healthcare to all Filipinos.

"Layunin po ng panukalang ito na i-institutionalize sa buong bansa ang Malasakit Center para magkaroon ito ng mas malaki at regular na pondo at para hindi na lang nakadepende ang implementasyon nito kung sinong administrasyon ang nakaupo," he said.

If passed into law, Malasakit Centers will also work hand-in-hand with the recently passed Universal Health Care Law in ensuring that all Filipinos have access to health care services.

President Rodrigo Duterte and his administration has been lauded for passing the health measure and their efforts to improve the welfare of Filipinos.

In fact, the latest Pulse Asia survey released on Wednesday revealed that the President got an 85 percent approval rating from Filipinos, reflecting their continuing trust on his administration. High approval rating on the President's work remains consistent among all geographic areas in the country.

In one of his interviews, Go said that the President's consistent high trust rating is a testament to the efficacy of his programs and policies in improving the quality of life of Filipinos.

"Sa kabila ng mga kritisismo, patuloy ang pagpapatupad ng mga programa ng Duterte administration para sa ikabubuti ng bawat Pilipino," Go said.

"Mas marami na ngayon ang merong trabaho. Mas mabilis, maayos at maasahan ang serbisyo ng gobyerno sa tao. Mas ligtas na ngayon ang mga komunidad dahil sa ating patuloy na laban sa iligal na droga at kriminalidad," he added.

Aside from the Malasakit Center Bill, Go has also proposed other measures to tackle different issues in the heathcare system.

These include a bill expanding the coverage of the Mandatory Basic Immunization Program, the Barangay Health Workers Act of 2019 which provides for the appointment of enough BHWs in every barangay; and a bill amending the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002 to improve our country's nursing program.

Go emphasized that access to healthcare is "a fundamental right of all Filipinos", and that it is "essential to preserving freedom, social justice, and a healthy democracy" which is why he chose to prioritize it.

Towards the end of his speech, Go enjoined the health professionals to continue their service to the Filipino people, while vowing to be their voice in the Senate.

"Please continue to work hard in the service of our people. Kailangan namin kayo. Mahalaga po ang trabahong ginagampanan ninyo," Go told the health professionals.

"Huwag po kayong mag-alala. Katulad nang sinabi ko, nandito lang po ang inyong Kuya Bong Go para sa inyo. Hinding hindi ko kayo pababayaan," he added.