Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has called on concerned agencies, including the Department of Health (DOH), to step up its information campaign on free vaccinations, emphasizing that preventable diseases could spread if immunization rates do not improve.
“Kaysa gumastos sa pagpapagamot, mas mainam na iwasan na lang ang sakit. Libre naman ang bakuna mula sa gobyerno, kaya wala nang dahilan para hindi magpabakuna,” Go said, urging the public to avail of the free immunization programs.
His statement comes as DOH reported that the Philippines fell short of its Full Immunization Coverage (FIC) target in 2024, with only 61 percent of children receiving complete doses of routine vaccines. The agency warned that low coverage could lead to outbreaks of preventable diseases such as measles, polio, and diphtheria.
Go, who serves as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, cited that the government has already allocated funds for these vaccines and that public hesitancy should not get in the way of protecting lives.
“Ang sakit, hindi lang pasakit sa katawan—pasakit din sa bulsa. Ang isang araw na na-confine sa ospital, mas magastos pa kaysa sa isang bakuna na libre namang ibinibigay ng gobyerno,” he added.
Beyond vaccination, Go reiterated the importance of strengthening access to healthcare services nationwide, particularly through Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers, and Regional Specialty Centers.
Malasakit Centers, which he principally authored and sponsored under Republic Act No. 11463, have assisted more than 15 million Filipinos in reducing hospital expenses. These one-stop shops house representatives from DOH, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to streamline financial assistance for indigent patients.
“Sa mga pasyente, lapitan niyo lang ang Malasakit Center dahil para ‘to sa inyo. Kung may hospital bill kayo, nandiyan ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno na tutulong para mabayaran ito,” Go said.
He also pushed for the continued establishment of more Super Health Centers, which aim to provide primary care, consultation, and early disease detection at the community level. The centers are designed to decongest hospitals by ensuring that basic healthcare services are accessible in local areas.
“Sa Super Health Centers, hindi mo na kailangang bumiyahe ng malayo para lang magpatingin sa doktor. May libreng konsulta, check-up, at iba pang serbisyong medikal na malapit na sa mga barangay,” he explained.
Additionally, Go highlighted the importance of Republic Act No. 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which he principally sponsored and is one the authors. The law mandates the establishment of specialty centers in existing DOH hospitals to enhance access to specialized medical care in the regions.
As part of his long-term health agenda, Go also continues to advocate for the creation of a Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the establishment of a Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines (VIP). These proposed laws he filed aim to strengthen the country’s preparedness against infectious diseases and emerging health threats.
“Dapat hindi lang tayo mag-react tuwing may pandemya o outbreak. Dapat handa tayo bago pa dumating ang sakit. Kaya itinutulak natin ang Center for Disease Control at Virology Institute para mas mabilis ang pagresponde sa mga ganitong banta,” he stressed.
Go also reaffirmed his support for healthcare workers, noting that they are the backbone of the country’s healthcare system.
“Hindi tayo magkakaroon ng maayos na serbisyong pangkalusugan kung hindi natin aalagaan ang ating mga frontliners. Dapat siguraduhin natin na may sapat silang benepisyo at suporta mula sa gobyerno,” he added.
With ongoing concerns over low vaccination rates and healthcare accessibility, Go urged both the government and the public to work together in prioritizing preventive healthcare.
“Libre naman ang bakuna, libreng magpakonsulta, at may mga pasilidad na handang tumulong. Ilapit natin ang mga serbisyong ito sa mga nangangailangan. Tandaan natin na ang kalusugan ay katumbas ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” he said.
