Speaking as Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, the senator emphasized the importance of shared responsibility in ensuring a safe and orderly observance of the annual tradition of remembering departed loved ones.
“Kung uuwi po kayo ng probinsya, pakiusap ko lang, mag-ingat po kayo sa biyahe. Planuhin ang inyong byahe, magdala ng sapat na pagkain, tubig, at siguraduhing maayos ang kondisyon ng inyong sasakyan,” he reminded.
“Huwag nating hayaang masira ang okasyon ng Undas dahil sa kapabayaan, kawalan ng kahandaan o hindi pag-iingat. Habang ginugunita ang mga sumakabilang-buhay na, pangalagaan rin natin ang mga buhay na ibinigay sa atin ng Panginoon,” he urged.
He expressed his concern over the expected heavy traffic and congestion in transport terminals and cemeteries. Go underscored the need for patience and cooperation among the public and preparedness on the side of government, law enforcers and frontliners to maintain peace and order.
“Pagsama-samahin po natin ang disiplina, respeto, at malasakit sa isa’t isa. Sa ganitong paraan, magiging maayos at payapa ang paggunita natin ngayong Undas,” the senator said.
The senator also reminded the public to stay vigilant against common illnesses as the country enters flu season. He cautioned that the usual crowding in terminals, cemeteries, and other public spaces could heighten the risk of transmission.
“Ngayong flu season, huwag po nating kalimutan ang kalusugan habang bumibiyahe. Kung maaari, magsuot ng face mask kung siksikan, maghugas ng kamay, at iwasan ang paglalakbay kung may sakit,” he advised.
Go further encouraged travelers to take advantage of existing health and emergency services in case of unforeseen incidents. He noted that Super Health Centers across the country are steadily being established through the efforts of the national government, through the Department of Health (DOH), local government units, and with the support of legislators which he pushed in the Senate.
These facilities aim to bring basic health services closer to communities, particularly in remote areas, to ease congestion in major hospitals.
“Kung sakaling may mangyaring hindi inaasahan, huwag mag-atubiling lumapit sa pinakamalapit na Super Health Center o ospital. Mas mabuti nang maagapan kaysa lumala pa ang sitwasyon,” Go stated.
As the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, Go also reminded the public that assistance is available through Malasakit Centers located in DOH-run hospitals and select public hospitals nationwide. These one-stop shops aim to help indigent patients reduce their hospital bills to the least possible amount.
The senator also expressed his appreciation to emergency responders, local government units, volunteers, and frontliners who will be on duty during the long weekend. He highlighted their critical role in maintaining peace and order throughout the observance of Undas.
“Habang karamihan ay naglalakbay o naglalakbay-pamilya, maraming kawani ng gobyerno at volunteers ang nagtatrabaho para masiguro ang kaligtasan ng lahat. Maraming salamat po sa inyo,” Go declared.
Go reiterated his call for collective responsibility, urging everyone to look out for each other’s welfare. He noted that such moments reflect the Filipino value of malasakit—putting community above individual interest.
“Ang Undas ay panahon ng pag-alala. Panahon ito ng pagkakaisa ng pamilya at komunidad. Kaya sana, lahat tayo ay maging bahagi ng solusyon para mapanatiling ligtas at maayos ang okasyong ito,” he emphasized.
The senator concluded with a strong reminder that discipline, preparedness, and compassion are essential in preventing accidents and ensuring a peaceful Undas season.
Senator Bong Go
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