SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, continues to champion initiatives that bring healthcare closer to the people. His expanded feeding initiative, popularly known as “Palugaw ni Mr. Malasakit,” goes beyond addressing immediate hunger by fostering a culture of care and compassion among Filipinos.
Senator Go recognizes that proper nutrition is a cornerstone of good health, and through this initiative, he hopes to emphasize its importance while reaching out to vulnerable communities. “Sa simpleng pagsasalo sa lugaw, ipinapakita natin ang tunay na diwa ng malasakit at bayanihan sa mga may sakit at nangangailangan,” he remarked.
The program has recently made significant strides, touching the lives of hospital patients, caregivers, and healthcare workers across various regions in the country.
Between January 14 and 20, Senator Go’s Malasakit Team visited multiple hospitals, including Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital in Caloocan City; Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center in Marikina City; National Children’s Hospital and Philippine Orthopedic Center in Quezon City; Ospital ng Parañaque; Pasay General Hospital; Valenzuela Medical Center; Tondo Medical Center in Manila City; and Taguig-Pateros District Hospital in Taguig City.
In other parts of Luzon, Go’s Malasakit Team also conducted feeding programs at Antipolo City Hospital System Annex IV Mambugan in Rizal; Ospital ng Lungsod ng San Jose Del Monte in Bulacan; Ilocos Provincial Hospital Gabriela Silang in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur; Governor Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; and Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center in San Fernando City, La Union.
There were also meals served in Visayas hospitals, including Palo Schistosomiasis Hospital, and Western Leyte Provincial Hospital in Baybay City, both in Leyte; Cebu Provincial Hospital in Bogo City, Cebu South Medical Center in Talisay City, Cebu City Medical Center, and Vicente Sotto Medical Center, all in Cebu province; and Angel Salazar Hospital in San Jose, Antique.
Mindanao patients and watchers benefitted as well with feeding initiatives held at Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center in Tandag City; Davao de Oro Provincial Hospital in Montevista; Democrito O. Plaza Memorial Hospital in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur; and Butuan Medical Center.
“Nutrition is a fundamental right, and every Filipino deserves access to proper nourishment,” Senator Go stated. “With this program, we are not only serving food; we are fostering a sense of hope and showing our kababayans that they are not alone in their struggles.”
More than just a feeding initiative, the program complements Senator Go’s broader healthcare agenda, including the continuing operations of Malasakit Centers. These centers, established through Republic Act No. 11463, principally sponsored and authored by Go, have streamlined the process of seeking medical assistance by providing a one-stop-shop approach. With 166 centers nationwide, more than 15 million Filipinos have already benefited from accessible medical support.
Senator Go has consistently emphasized his commitment to making healthcare more inclusive and responsive to the needs of the people. “Lahat ng ating ginagawa ay para sikapin na walang Pilipino ang maiiwan pagdating sa serbisyong pangkalusugan,” he affirmed.
The expansion of “Palugaw ni Mr. Malasakit” is a testament to Senator Go’s belief in community-driven solutions and collective action. As the initiative grows, Senator Go remains steadfast in his mission to create a healthier and more compassionate nation.