On Monday, May 19, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go served as keynote speaker at the midyear convention of the Integrated Philippines Association of Optometrists (IPAO), held in EDSA Shangri-La, Mandaluyong City. The event was attended by optometrists from across the country and organized by IPAO under the leadership of its National President, Dr. Charlie Ho.
In his address, Senator Go expressed his gratitude for the continued trust given to him by medical professionals and health advocates as he reaffirmed his commitment to engaging with the sector to bring medical services closer to Filipinos in need.
“Maraming salamat po sa pagkakataon na muli ninyong ibinigay sa akin para makapagserbisyo. Hinding-hindi ko po sasayangin ang pagkakataon na ibinigay ninyo,” Go stated.
“Hindi niyo po ako maririnig na nangangako na gagawin ko ito o ganyan. Sabi ko, I will try my very best. Gagawin ko lang po ang aking trabaho— at uunahin ko ang interes ng bayan, interes ng Pilipino. At hinding-hindi ko po pababayaan ang ating mga kababayan, lalo na ang ating mga pasyenteng mahihirap. Uunahin ko yung makakatulong po sa kanila,” he added.
The convention provided a platform for healthcare professionals to exchange insights on challenges in the optometry field and the evolving role of legislation in healthcare delivery.
For his part, Senator Go emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between government and the health sector.
Go, widely known as Mr. Malasakit for his focus on accessible healthcare, then turned his attention to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) representatives, who were also in attendance.
“Full support po ako sa inyo parati sa PhilHealth. Basta gamitin niyo yung pondo ninyo sa tama. Masamang-masama ang loob ko noong nagkaroon kayo ng excess funds habang maraming pasyente ang naghihingalo. Yung iba, ayaw magpa-ospital, takot sa pagpapa-ospital,” he said.
He was also candid in pushing for needed reforms in PhilHealth. “Sorry ha medyo awkward. Since nandirito po kayo pero gusto ko lang pong ilabas ang aking sama ng loob sa PhilHealth… Noong 2013, may policy ang PhilHealth na kapag nagkasakit ka ng pneumonia, hindi ka na puwedeng i-cover muli sa loob ng 90 days. Kalokohan naman ‘yon. Buti na lang ngayon, tinanggal na nila.”
He added that PhilHealth has now implemented more responsive measures, including the 24-hour confinement policy and an emergency package aimed at improving healthcare coverage such as dental and optical care.
Senator Go further noted that the inclusion of optometric services in PhilHealth coverage was among the requests made by IPAO during a previous meeting in 2024. In response to this request, Go actively pushed for its integration—an initiative warmly acknowledged by IPAO during the event. The association expressed its gratitude to Senator Go as guest of honor in this year’s convention.
“Lagi pong bukas ang aking opisina sa inyong lahat,” Go assured.
Senator Go also highlighted his key health initiatives such as the Malasakit Centers program under the Republic Act No. 11463. Currently, there are 167 centers operational nationwide, which have assisted over 17 million Filipinos.
There were also Super Health Centers nationwide with 700 centers that have been funded across the country, in collaboration with his fellow legislators, the Department of Health, and local governments.
He is also the principal sponsor and one of the authors of the Regional Specialty Centers Act, or RA 11959 to bring specialized care in every region. The law mandates the establishment of specialty medical centers in every DOH regional hospital.
Senator Go acknowledged the efforts of IPAO leaders, including Chairman Dr. John Nakpil, Secretary Dr. Katherine De Mesa, Treasurer Dr. John Lorenze Juarez, Auditor Dr. Mylyn Molinyawe, South Luzon’s Dr. Evelyn Abarintos, Visayas VP Dr. John Paulo Fernandez, and Mindanao South VP Dr. Jovina Sandra Dela Victoria-Tom, among others.
“Ako po ang inyong Senator Kuya Bong Go. Patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil ako po ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo po ‘yan sa Diyos.”