SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, reaffirmed his commitment to bringing quality healthcare services closer to Filipinos, particularly in rural areas, during a relief operation in San Remigio, Antique.
In a video message delivered on Friday, November 29, Go expressed his gratitude to the local government of San Remigio for their continued efforts in addressing the needs of their constituents. He highlighted that the government’s priority remains to provide accessible healthcare, especially for indigent Filipinos.
“Tuloy-tuloy po ang ating suporta para sa ating mga kababayan, lalong-lalo na sa mga nangangailangan ng agarang tulong sa kalusugan,” said Go.
“Ang Malasakit Center ay isang programa na ginawa natin upang ang serbisyong pangkalusugan ay maging abot-kamay para sa lahat, lalo na sa mga mahihirap na pasyente,” he added.
Malasakit Centers are one-stop shops established under Republic Act No. 11463, which Go principally authored and sponsored. These centers bring together agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to assist patients in reducing their hospital bills.
To date, 166 Malasakit Centers nationwide have helped more than 15 million Filipinos, as per the DOH.
“Hindi natin alam kung ano ang darating na hamon sa hinaharap kaya patuloy tayong maghahanda. Ang Malasakit Centers ay handang tumulong sa inyong mga gastusin sa ospital upang mapababa ito sa pinaka-mababang halaga,” he emphasized.
The relief operation was mounted at the Civic Center where the senator’s Malasakit Team assisted 1,000 indigents.
They distributed snacks, shirts, basketballs, and volleyballs to all while there were select recipients of shoes and a mobile phone.
Meanwhile, the beneficiaries also received financial assistance from the government. The event was made possible through the support and cooperation of Congressman Antonio “AA” Legarda, Governor Rhodora Cadiao, Vice Governor Edgar Denosta, and Mayor Mar Mission.
Go concluded his message by reiterating his dedication to serving the people of Antique and ensuring that no Filipino is left behind when it comes to accessing essential services.
“Ang aking bisyo ay ang magserbisyo sa inyong lahat. Mananatili akong kasama ninyo sa bawat hakbang tungo sa mas maayos na kinabukasan,” he said.
