Senator Bong Go expresses gratitude to overseas Filipinos, vows to push for stronger support for OFWs

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go reaffirmed his gratitude and longstanding support for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), citing efforts to ensure the welfare for Filipinos abroad. In an interview on Monday, May 19, Senator Go cited the establishment of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and underscored the emotional cost of labor migration.

He reiterated his commitment to OFWs, highlighting his role as one of the authors and a co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 11641, which established the DMW to ensure better protection and services for OFWs.

Signed into law by former president Rodrigo Duterte in December 2021, the measure streamlined government services for OFWs, consolidating efforts to provide more efficient and responsive assistance to those working abroad.

"Oo, maraming salamat rin po sa atin mga kababayang OFWs. Alam n'yo, parati natin ipinaglalaban itong mga OFWs natin. In fact, isa po tayo sa nagsulong ng Department of Migrant Workers," the senator stated.

"Finally, mayroon na po silang isang departamento na nakatutok at malalapitan nila. Kung noon po ay nananawagan sa Facebook, sa radyo--ngayon po ay mayroon na silang sariling departamento," he explained.

Beyond legislation, Senator Go has been a key figure in enhancing healthcare services for migrant workers and their families. He continues to push for the institutionalization of the OFW Hospital in San Fernando City, Pampanga, through his filed Senate Bill No. 2297, ensuring its long-term operations as a dedicated medical facility for OFWs and their dependents.

The OFW Hospital was established during the Duterte administration in collaboration with the Pampanga provincial government. To further expand its reach, he also filed SBN 2990, which aims to double the hospital's bed capacity from 50 to 100, improve its medical equipment, and strengthen its workforce.

"At mayroon pong OFW Hospital sa San Fernando, Pampanga at may Malasakit Center rin po roon." Reflecting on the sacrifices made by migrant workers, he added, "Ang hirap po mapalayo sa pamilya. Alam n'yo, hindi nababayaran ang lungkot. Mas nanaisin nila na manatili rito, kaya mas nanaisin nila na magtrabaho sa ibang bansa."

His commitment to migrant workers' welfare also extends to his filed SBN 2414, or the "OFW Ward Act," which if enacted, mandates all Department of Health (DOH) hospitals to set up dedicated wards specifically for OFWs and their families.

In a direct message to OFWs, he declared: "Mahal na mahal ko po kayong mga OFWs. Salamat po sa inyong pagtitiwala at suporta."

Concluding the interview, the senator responded to remarks from the anchors congratulating him for securing the top spot in the OFW vote sector in the recent 2025 elections.

"Ako po ang dapat na magpasalamat sa atin mga kababayan. Maraming salamat at patuloy ko pong ipagpapatuloy 'yung mga pro-poor program na makakatulong sa mga mahihirap, at ako po ay patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya. Maraming, maraming salamat po sa mga kababayan ko," the senator said.