SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, continues to push for compassionate public service by going beyond medical assistance and addressing the broader needs of Filipinos.
His recent efforts in integrating feeding initiatives into Malasakit Centers reflect his holistic approach to care, ensuring that patients and their families receive comfort, nourishment, and support during their most vulnerable times.
Malasakit Centers, established through Republic Act No. 11463, which Senator Go principally authored and sponsored, have become a cornerstone of accessible healthcare in the Philippines.
With over 166 centers nationwide, they streamline aid from various government agencies, offering medical assistance to Filipinos burdened by healthcare costs. Yet, Senator Go’s vision extends beyond reducing medical expenses; he aims to ease the daily struggles faced by patients and their families.
Recognizing the reality that many Filipinos often struggle to afford basic needs while caring for loved ones in hospitals, Senator Go launched feeding initiatives in collaboration with existing Malasakit Centers. These initiatives aim to alleviate the stress of securing meals, allowing families to focus on the recovery and well-being of their loved ones.
“Health care goes beyond hospital bills. It’s about making sure families feel supported in every aspect of their journey. A warm meal can make a big difference in tough times,” says Go.
From November 28 to 30, Senator Go’s Malasakit Team rolled out feeding programs in numerous public hospitals across the country. In Luzon, meals were provided to patients and their watchers at the President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital in Iba, Zambales; Mariveles Mental and Wellness General Hospital, and Bataan General Hospital in Balanga, both in Bataan; National Children’s Hospital in Quezon City; and Romblon Provincial Hospital in Odiongan, Romblon.
There were also feeding initiatives at Diosdado Macapagal Memorial Hospital, and Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center in Guagua, Pampanga; Oriental Mindoro Provincial Hospital in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro; and General Emilio Aguinaldo Medical Hospital in Trece Martires City, Cavite.
Meanwhile, similar efforts were seen in Visayas, where hospitals at Eversley Child Sanitarium and General Hospital, and Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, both in Cebu City.
Mindanao also witnessed the senator’s outreach, with feeding programs conducted in hospitals at Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City; Butuan Medical Center in Butuan City; Maramag Provincial Hospital in Bukidnon; J.R. Borja General Hospital J.R. Borja General Hospital and Northern Mindanao Medical Center, both in Cagayan de Oro City; Bislig District Hospital and Lianga District Hospital, both in Surigao del Sur.
These feeding initiatives are more than just acts of charity—they symbolize malasakit, or genuine care, a value that Senator Go has consistently embodied in his public service. By addressing both medical and daily needs, the initiative underscores his commitment to holistic healthcare.
The initiative highlights the importance of extending care to every aspect of a patient’s experience. For Senator Go, healthcare is not just about treatment—it’s about ensuring that no Filipino faces the struggle alone.
“Ang malasakit ay hindi natatapos sa pagbabayad ng ospital. Ito ay tungkol sa pangangalaga sa bawat aspeto ng buhay ng ating mga kababayan. Patuloy kong gagawin ang lahat para siguruhing walang maiiwan at lahat ay mapapalapit sa serbisyo ng gobyerno,” says Go.
As the driving force behind Malasakit Centers and other pro-poor initiatives, Senator Bong Go remains steadfast in his mission to uplift the lives of Filipinos, ensuring they receive not only assistance but also the compassion and dignity they deserve.
“Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” concluded Go.
