Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Friday, March 25 reaffirmed his commitment to ensure that all workers would have access to quality occupational health services as he hailed the significant contributions of occupational medicine physicians across the country in the fight against the pandemic.
In his video message for the 43rd Annual National Convention of the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine, Inc. (PCOM), Go reiterated the importance of occupational medicine in preserving, protecting and promoting the health and safety of workers in all occupations, especially amid the pandemic.
“As we all know, occupational medicine deals with the assessment of workers’ health, working conditions and processes. The role and contribution of the occupational medicine physicians in the mitigation and control of COVID-19 should be given utmost importance and recognition in our country today,” according to Go, chairman of the Senate health committee.
“I am committed to ensure that all workers should have access to occupational health for the prevention and management of diseases from the hazards of work,’’ he added.
The senator from Davao commended the PCOM for serving as the only medical specialty organization for occupational medicine physicians and specialists recognized by the Philippine Medical Association.
“It is with great pride, therefore, that I congratulate the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine and its national officers, board of directors, through the leadership of Dr. Phil Pangilinan, its president na Dabawenyo rin po,” remarked Go.
“Gusto ko rin pong pasalamatan ang iba pang kapwa Dabawenyo namin ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na members ng PCOM (I and President Duterte also want to thank our fellow Dabawenyo who are PCOM members). These are Dr. Elvie Donado, who takes care of wounded-in-action soldiers engaging with insurgents in Mindanao; Dr. Henry Derla, the pioneer of occupational medicine in Davao; and Davao City Councilor Dr. Mary Joselle Villafuerte,” he continued.
The senator then reassured that he continues to push for measures to make sure that all Filipino healthcare workers are well-supported.
Go said he primarily authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 2421 or the proposed COVID-19 Benefits and Allowances for Health Workers Act of 2022, that seeks to provide public and private health workers continuous benefits and allowances in recognition of their dedication and sacrifices during the pandemic.
Finally, Go vowed to prioritize the well-being of all frontliners.
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