Bong Go prioritizes health reforms, youth, sports development in 2025

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Bong Go has advocated for crucial budgetary allocations that address health reforms, youth empowerment, sports development and local infrastructure across the country for 2025.

As chairman of the Senate committees on health, sports and the youth, while also being vice chair of the Senate finance committee, Go emphasized the importance of investments that directly benefit Filipinos, particularly those in underserved communities.

“We must prioritize the needs of our countrymen, especially in the health sector and public service,” he said in Filipino, underscoring his advocacy to improve public health and uplift marginalized sectors.

Go pushed for significant funds for the improvement of the nationwide health infrastructure.

The 2025 budget includes the construction and upgrading of more super health centers, barangay health stations and public hospitals, ensuring accessible health care facilities for Filipinos.

A halfway house is also set to be built at the Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium, catering to patients in transition.

The senator also highlighted the allocation of scientific and medical research initiatives through the University of the Philippines National Institutes for Health, recognizing the importance of advancing medical solutions and innovations.

Go also ensured funding for financial assistance to athletes, including community sports development programs, sports and related activities under the Philippine Sports Commission.

To complement this, educational institutions such as the Guimaras State University and Davao Oriental State University are set to receive funding for gymnasium rehabilitation and water supply infrastructure, respectively. A new student center will also be established at Northern Iloilo State University.

Meanwhile, the National Youth Commission is tasked to implement a program that Go pushed that will focus on capacity-building for youth organizations through training programs, youth empowerment seminars and research.

“Our youth are the hope and future leaders of our country. They need to be given proper support to reach their full potential,” Go said.

On infrastructure for regional and local development, the senator supported the budget for key projects such as the Department of National Defense’s construction of a building for the air base in Puerto Princesa, Palawan; the Philippine National Police’s rehabilitation of the Aviation Security unit 11 office building in Sasa, Davao City; the Bureau of Fire Protection’s establishment of a training center in Mallig, Isabela; the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology’s construction of a basketball court for persons deprived of liberty in Samal City Jail; a male dormitory in the Urdaneta District Jail in Pangasinan and new office buildings for the Commission on Elections in Davao City and Samal Island.

Go also supported the budget for the rehabilitation of cottages for Marawi Resort Inc., contributing to the ongoing rebuilding of Marawi City.

Reflecting on the inclusion of assistance for Hajj pilgrims through the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, Go reiterated the importance of cultural and spiritual traditions in policy-making.

“This is not just about projects. This is about giving value towards every aspect of our citizen’s lives: the physical, spiritual and cultural,” he said.

As 2025 unfolds, Go remains steadfast in championing initiatives that benefit Filipinos on multiple fronts. He envisions a healthier, stronger and more empowered Philippines in the coming years.

“We will continue giving you our service, because my vice is to render service. I believe that giving service to the people is giving service to the Lord, service to Allah,” Go said.