Photo credit: Senator Bong Go

When disaster strikes, no Filipino should feel alone—this is the message Senator Christopher “Bong” Go wants to make clear. As the Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, Go is calling on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to go all out in assisting Filipinos affected by the deadly earthquake that hit Myanmar on March 28.

With a staggering magnitude of 7.7, the quake has taken over 2,000 lives, based on reports from international agencies. But for Go, the immediate concern are the four Filipinos still missing after the disaster.

“Ang pinakaimportante ngayon ay mahanap at masagip ang ating apat na kababayang nawawala. Buhay ang nakataya dito, kaya dapat gawin natin ang lahat ng makakaya upang sila’y mahanap at mailigtas,” Go stressed.

Ensuring No One is Left Behind

While some Filipinos in Myanmar have also lost their jobs due to the disaster, Go emphasized that their safety comes first. He urged the DFA and DMW to maintain round-the-clock operations to ensure all affected Filipinos get the help they need—whether it’s search and rescue, repatriation, or reintegration into the workforce back home.

“Lalo na kapag may krisis, dapat gising, bukas, at alerto ang mga opisina ng gobyerno anumang oras. Buhay at kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan ang nakataya,” Go added.

The DFA has already confirmed that some affected OFWs may request repatriation, and Go wants to make sure that their return to the Philippines is as smooth as possible. He also called for reintegration programs to help them find new opportunities once they’re back.

Go’s Ongoing Push for OFW Welfare

Senator Go has long been an advocate for OFW rights and welfare. In fact, he played a major role in the creation of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), which was signed into law in 2021. This department was designed to streamline and strengthen government services for OFWs.

His efforts also extend to healthcare. He filed Senate Bill No. 2297, which aims to institutionalize the OFW Hospital in Pampanga, ensuring that OFWs and their families have access to quality medical services. He also wants to expand the hospital’s capacity through Senate Bill No. 2990, which proposes doubling its bed capacity and upgrading medical equipment.

Another bill, the OFW Ward Act (SBN 2414), seeks to require all DOH hospitals to have dedicated OFW wards, ensuring that OFWs and their families receive priority medical attention.

“Buhay ang pinag-uusapan dito. Kapag humingi ang isang OFW ng tulong, may sasagot anumang oras na nangangailangan sila at ang kanilang pamilya,” Go emphasized.

"We Are One Nation, Wherever We Are"

As Myanmar struggles to recover from the devastation, Go is urging the government to stay ready and responsive to ensure no Filipino is left behind.

“Iparamdam natin ang ating malasakit at iparating natin ang ating serbisyo sa kapwa tao nasaan man sila sa mundo,” he said.
For Senator Bong Go, true public service means showing up when it matters most—and in times of crisis, every Filipino, no matter where they are, deserves to feel the nation’s support.