SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go renewed his call for the government to continue intensifying its inclusive economic recovery efforts to help more Filipinos, particularly those in low-income communities nationwide.
In a video message during a relief operation for 1,350 residents, organized by his Malasakit Team in Anilao and Banate, Iloilo on Thursday, November 21, the senator reassured residents that he remains committed to providing the necessary support to vulnerable sectors.
“Bilang inyong lingkod, hindi po kami titigil sa paghahatid ng serbisyong nararapat po sa inyo. Kailangan lang po namin ng inyong koordinasyon at disiplina para mas mapabilis pa ang ating pagbabalik sa normal na pamumuhay,” remarked Go.
Go’s Malasakit Team mounted the relief activities at the Anilao Public Market Activity Center and Barangay Carmelo Covered Court in Banate where they distributed snacks, shirts, basketballs, and volleyballs to the beneficiaries. There were also select recipients of shoes and mobile phones.
Meanwhile, in coordination with Anilao Mayor Lee Ann Debuque and Vice Mayor Maria Theresa Debuque, Banate Mayor Peter Paul Gonzales, Vice Mayor Jun Iran and councilors, the national government extended financial assistance.
In his message, Go, also known as Mr. Malasakit and a health reform crusader also expressed his gratitude to local officials and community leaders for their unwavering service and dedication.
“Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng ating mga local officials at sa ating mga front liners. Kung wala po ang inyong malasakit sa ating kapwa ay hindi po natin maaabot ang inaasam na mas magandang kinabukasan. Kaya nakikusap po ako na huwag niyong pabayaan ang ating mga kababayan, lalo na yung mga hopeless at helpless.”
Go also offered assistance to those with health concerns and encouraged them to visit nearby hospitals with Malasakit Centers, such as the Western Visayas Medical Center and West Visayas State University Medical Center, both in Iloilo City; Don Jose D. Monfort Medical Center Extension Hospital in Barotac Nuevo; and Western Visayas Sanitarium and General Hospital in Sta. Barbara.
These centers provide convenient access to medical assistance programs by consolidating services from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
Since its inception, the program has established 166 Malasakit Centers across the country, with the Department of Health reporting that more than 15 million Filipinos have benefitted from these centers.
“Ito pong Malasakit Center, ginawa po yan para po sa Pilipino. Isa lang po ito sa mga programa na layuning ilapit ang serbisyo ng gobyerno sa inyo, mga kababayan ko. Kaya kung kayo po ay may nararamdaman, huwag po kayo mahiyang lumapit sa Malasakit Center,” encouraged Go, who is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.
