SEN. Christopher “Bong” Go is a strong advocate for the improvement of programs and services that aim to reintegrate former rebels into mainstream society, allowing them to live peacefully with their families. As the vice chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense, Senator Go recognizes the urgency of addressing the ideological differences that lead Filipinos to resort to violence.
Even before his election to the Senate, Senator Go had firsthand experience with the causes of rebellion in the Philippines. He served former president Rodrigo Duterte for over two decades, starting when Duterte was still the mayor of Davao City. Through his years of service, Senator Go witnessed the extreme poverty that often drives individuals to join rebel groups, particularly those living in remote areas who feel neglected by the government.
“It is crucial to tackle poverty head-on. No family should go hungry or sleep with an empty stomach. This is where our livelihood programs come into play, bridging the gap between the government and those who feel hopeless and helpless,” emphasized Senator Go.
Senator Go highlights the significance of the Balik-Loob Program under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac). This program provides former rebels with various forms of assistance and legal protections, aiming to reintegrate them into society effectively.
“Government programs and services must reach the grassroots and every community to ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of development. Through these initiatives, the government can demonstrate its sincerity in uplifting lives and promoting peace,” Senator Go emphasized.
The Balik-Loob program, officially known as the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), is a crucial initiative managed by the Task Force Balik-Loob (TFBL). This program commends the Armed Forces of the Philippines for their role in positively transforming the lives of former rebels.
One notable feature of the program is the Balik-Loob Lending Program, which provides a loan facility through LandBank to assist former rebels in establishing or expanding their businesses. This initiative aims to empower them economically, allowing them to reintegrate successfully into society.
As the chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Senator Go is at the forefront of bringing essential government medical and health care services closer to the people. One of his flagship advocacies is the Malasakit Centers program, which aims to reduce hospital bills for indigent patients to the lowest possible amount.
Currently, there are 159 Malasakit Centers nationwide, benefiting approximately 10 million Filipinos, according to a report from the Department of Health (DoH). Senator Go has also actively pushed for funding for over 600 Super Health Centers across the country under the 2022 and 2023 national budgets.
Furthermore, Senator Go played a pivotal role in the passage of the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of specialized medical care centers in DoH hospitals. This legislation aims to bring quality healthcare services to patients outside of Metro Manila and other major cities.
Senator Bong Go’s unwavering commitment to improving reintegration programs and essential services for former rebels reflects his dedication to promoting peace and uplifting the lives of all Filipinos. Through his advocacy and legislative efforts, he aims to bridge the gap between the government and marginalized sectors of society, ensuring that no one is left behind in the nation’s pursuit of progress and harmony.
Source: The Manila Times
