SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, known as Mr. Malasakit for his steadfast dedication to public service, has amplified his advocacy for holistic care through the expansion of his feeding initiatives nationwide.
These ‘palugaw’ initiatives of Go partnered with existing Malasakit Centers, reflect his commitment to addressing both healthcare and immediate nutritional needs faced by many Filipinos.
Senator Go emphasized the importance of integrating nutrition and healthcare, stating, “Ang malasakit ay hindi lang tungkol sa medikal na serbisyong ibinibigay, kundi pati na rin sa pagtulong sa mga Pilipino sa kanilang pang-araw-araw na laban sa gutom at kahirapan. Mahirap magpokus sa pagpapagaling kapag walang laman ang tiyan.”
From December 12 to 15, his team organized simultaneous feeding programs in public hospitals with Malasakit Centers across the country. The initiative benefitted not only patients but also their families and healthcare workers.
In Metro Manila, the program reached the National Children’s Hospital, Philippine Orthopedic Center, Quirino Memorial Medical Center, and Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, all located in Quezon City; Ospital ng Muntinlupa and Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, both in Muntinlupa City; Navotas City Hospital. In Visayas, they also reached Western Leyte Provincial Hospital.
Meanwhile, in Mindanao, Go’s Malasakit Team conducted palugaw initiatives in the Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City; Gregorio Lluch Memorial Hospital in Iligan City; Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Marawi City; Northern Mindanao Medical Center and J.R. Borja General Hospital, both in Cagayan de Oro City, and Misamis Oriental General Hospital in Medina, Misamis Oriental; and Democrito O. Plaza Memorial Hospital in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
“Ang bawat lugaw na naibibigay ay simbolo ng ating malasakit sa bawat pamilyang nangangailangan. Hindi lang ito pagkain kundi mensahe ng suporta, na hindi sila nag-iisa sa laban nila tungo sa mas malusog at maayos na kalusugan,” Go shared.
These efforts align with the broader mission of Malasakit Centers, which have now served over 15 million Filipinos. Designed to provide one-stop access to medical assistance, these centers also symbolize Go’s vision of accessible and equitable healthcare for all.
Go initiated the Malasakit Centers program in 2018 after witnessing the struggles of financially disadvantaged Filipinos in settling their medical expenses. The program, institutionalized in 2019 under Republic Act No. 11463, was principally authored and sponsored by Go.
A brainchild of Go, the Malasakit Centers program provides a one-stop shop where concerned agencies are brought under one roof to ensure that medical assistance programs are within the reach of indigent Filipinos.
The senator pointed out that addressing hunger and healthcare challenges simultaneously strengthens community resilience. He explained that while medical treatment is crucial, meeting basic needs such as food plays a significant role in recovery and overall well-being.
The feeding initiatives also serve as a testament to Go’s philosophy of governance—grounded in compassion, collaboration, and inclusivity. His message to Filipinos is clear: public service must extend beyond policies and programs; it must touch lives in meaningful ways.
“Patuloy po akong magseserbisyo dahil naniniwala ako na ang bawat maliit na tulong na naibibigay natin ay may malaking epekto sa buhay ng tao. Ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” Go concluded.
