SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go’s team conducted a significant relief operation in Sta. Teresita, Batangas, with Vice Mayor Marie Segunial leading the local efforts to ensure that disadvantaged sectors received support.
The Senator is an adopted son of the CALABARZON region, with familial roots in Batangas through his Tesoro side.
The distribution activity took place on Sunday, December 8, at the town’s Municipal Hall, providing aid to struggling residents.
In a video message, Go emphasized his unwavering commitment to helping Filipinos, especially those in need. “Kahit saan sa Pilipinas, lagi akong handang tumulong sa abot ng aking makakaya. Iyan ang aking pangako sa ating mga kababayan,” Go stated, adding that his priority is to uplift the daily lives of disadvantaged communities.
The relief activity catered to over 200 beneficiaries, who received essential items such as shirts, vitamins, basketballs, and volleyballs. There were also select recipients of shoes and mobile phones.
Furthermore, each beneficiary was provided financial assistance from the government to help address their immediate needs.
To further ensure accessible healthcare services, Go encouraged residents to utilize nearby Malasakit Centers, such as those at Batangas Medical Center in Batangas City and the Batangas Provincial Hospital in Lemery.
Malasakit Centers are designed as one-stop shops where Filipinos can conveniently access medical assistance programs offered by government agencies.
“The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop. Sa loob ng hospital, andiyan na ang apat na ahensya ng gobyerno —PhilHealth, PCSO, DOH, and DSWD— na handang tumulong sa inyong mga bayarin sa hospital. Lapitan niyo lang ang Malasakit Center. Para ‘yan sa poor and indigent patients,” Go explained, highlighting the program’s comprehensive support for patients.
Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. As of now, 166 Malasakit centers have assisted more than 15 million Filipinos across the country, as reported by the Department of Health.
“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” emphasized Go, affectionately known as Mr. Malasakit for his dedication to aiding Filipinos in need.
