Gov. Sol Aragones Seeks Senate Support to Expand Health Programs in Laguna; Senator Bong Go Expresses Continued Commitment to Public Health

Laguna Governor Sol Aragones is pushing forward with her health agenda, seeking national support to expand public healthcare services across the province. The governor recently reached out to Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, to back her long-term plans for more accessible, community-based medical services.

Governor Aragones’ latest initiative—the Mobile Botika program under Akay ni Sol Partylist—has already made an impact in eight to municipalties and cities : Los Baños, Pagsanjan, Calauan, Santa Rosa, San Pedro, Cabuyao,Pila and Nagcarlan.  The roving clinic offers free medicines, medical consultations, and prescriptions, especially for residents managing chronic illnesses.

During the Mobile Botika launch, Gov. Sol emphasized her vision of building permanent Akay ni Gob Botika branches in every Laguna municipality, ensuring that quality healthcare becomes a staple at the local level.

“This is just the beginning. Once funding is in place, we’ll put up permanent botika branches across the province to make health services even more accessible,” Aragones said.

To help realize this goal, the governor sought the assistance of Senator Bong Go, who expressed his support for expanding community healthcare services.

“Senator Go assured us that he is ready to help when it comes to healthcare needs,” she added.

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Bong Go: Champion of Community-Based Healthcare

Senator Bong Go is widely known for his strong advocacy in public health, having authored the landmark Malasakit Centers Act (RA 11463), which institutionalized one-stop shops in government hospitals for financial and medical assistance. These centers bring together DOH, PhilHealth, DSWD, and PCSO services under one roof—benefiting millions of Filipinos nationwide.

In addition, Go spearheaded the rollout of Super Health Centers—mid-level facilities strategically located in barangays and municipalities to offer basic consultations, diagnostics, and minor procedures. These centers serve as an essential first point of contact for healthcare, especially in underserved communities.

As chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Senator Go has also been instrumental in:

• Advocating for the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers,
• Supporting the Regional Specialty Centers Act,
• Expanding the Cancer Assistance Fund,
• Filing bills for mental health programs, maternal care, and pandemic preparedness.

“No Filipino should suffer or die just because they can’t afford to go to the hospital,” Senator Go has repeatedly said in his public statements.

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Building Toward a Healthier Laguna

With rising costs of living and healthcare becoming increasingly out of reach for many, Governor Sol’s local initiatives—backed by national leaders like Senator Go—aim to bridge the gap.

Programs like the Mobile Botika are already offering relief and dignity to residents such as senior citizens, stroke survivors, and unemployed individuals who rely on free medicine and medical guidance.

“This program is a lifeline,” said Dondon Raviche of Santa Rosa, who lost his job due to hypertension and eye problems. “I’m grateful that help came when I needed it most.”

As the province looks ahead, partnerships between local governments and national champions like Senator Bong Go offer hope for a stronger, more compassionate healthcare system—one that delivers not just medicine, but meaningful care, right where people live.