SEN. Bong Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, has commended the medical social workers for their dedication and tireless efforts in promoting the health and well-being of Filipinos.
"Your unwavering commitment and service to the community are truly commendable. It is through your hard work and dedication that we can provide better health services to our fellow Filipinos," Go said in his speech during the 50th founding anniversary of the Association of Medical Social Workers of the Philippines Inc. (AMSWPI) held in Manila on May 22.
AMSWPI, a nonprofit national membership organization of professional social workers, boasts members practicing in various government and private hospitals and other health-related facilities nationwide.
The event served as a platform to underscore the indispensable role of medical social workers in the health care system.
Furthermore, it was also attended by City of Manila Vice Mayor Yul Servo and Buenavista, Guimaras, Councilor Rubin Magno, among others. Senator Go lauded the organization, particularly under the leadership of President Elvira Calles.
He expressed his appreciation for AMSWPI's initiatives, which align with his advocacy for a more robust health system in the country. He reiterated his commitment to further enhancing the health care system, ensuring Filipinos can access the necessary services.
"I will continue to pour efforts into strengthening our health care system," Go stated, outlining several key health initiatives. The senator introduced Senate Bill (SB) 1707, known as the Competitive Remuneration and Compensation Packages for Social Workers Act of 2023, which seeks to offer competitive salaries and compensation packages for social workers if it becomes law.
His proposed bill aims to protect social workers from discrimination, interference, intimidation, harassment, or punishment, including arbitrary reassignment or termination of service, while performing their duties and responsibilities.
Go emphasized the importance of social workers in the Malasakit Centers, which ensure that medical assistance programs are within reach for all Filipinos. These centers serve as a one-stop shop for various forms of government medical assistance, providing patients with the support they need for their medical expenses.
A brainchild of Go, the Malasakit Center program was initiated in 2018 and was later institutionalized under the Republic Act (RA) 11463, which the senator principally authored and sponsored.
Also, Go authored and co-sponsored RA 11712, which grants continuing benefits and allowances to public and private health care workers during public health emergencies like Covid-19.
Senator Go mentioned that he would continue to urge concerned agencies to expedite the release of health emergency allowance, sharing numerous occasions where local health care workers actively seek updates on their well-deserved money.
"During the past hearings, we have urged the DoH and the DBM to reconcile their records and expedite the release of the Health Emergency Allowance due to our health care workers," Go previously emphasized.
In his remarks, Senator Go encouraged the social workers to continue their excellent work and assured them of his unwavering support.
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