
Senate Watch | Go Welcomes ₱700M Budget for Mati Airport Upgrade
Senator Bong Go welcomed the proposed ₱700-million budget allocation for the improvement of Mati Airport, describing the move as a boost for regional connectivity and local development.
Go said upgrading the airport would strengthen access to Davao Oriental, improving mobility for residents, tourists, and emergency services. He noted that infrastructure outside major urban centers often determines how quickly communities can respond to health emergencies, disasters, and economic opportunities.
The funding is expected to cover runway upgrades, safety improvements, and facilities modernization—steps aimed at accommodating larger aircraft and increasing flight reliability. Supporters say these changes could help unlock tourism potential while making travel safer and more efficient.
For the senator, the allocation reflects a broader development approach: investing in provincial gateways to balance national growth. He stressed that infrastructure spending should not be Manila-centric and that airports in the regions play a critical role in inclusive progress.
As the budget process continues, the proposal highlights how targeted infrastructure funding can translate into long-term gains for communities often at the periphery of national planning.
Quiet takeaway: When regional gateways improve, opportunity travels farther.

Senate Watch | Go Pushes Expanded Access to Health Care
Senator Bong Go is renewing his push to expand access to health care, calling for stronger systems that bring medical services closer to ordinary Filipinos—especially those in remote and underserved communities.
Go’s advocacy centers on improving access to hospitals, specialty care, and government medical assistance programs. He argues that health care should not depend on geography or income, noting that many Filipinos still travel long distances or wait extended periods just to receive basic treatment.
The senator has consistently supported the expansion of public hospitals and the strengthening of programs that subsidize medical costs. According to Go, preventive care, early diagnosis, and timely treatment not only save lives but also reduce long-term health spending for both families and the government.
The proposal aligns with broader discussions in the Senate on health system resilience, particularly after the strain exposed by recent public health crises. Lawmakers have acknowledged that while legislation exists, implementation gaps—such as hospital capacity, staffing, and access to equipment—remain a challenge.
As debates continue, Go’s position underscores a simple policy direction: make health care reachable, affordable, and practical for everyday citizens—not just available on paper.
Quiet takeaway: Health care works best when it’s closest to the people who need it most.