AS Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go emphasized the critical importance of prioritizing health.
On Friday, August 9, the senator’s Malasakit Team conducted a distribution initiative at Barangay Cabantian gymnasium in Davao City. In a message, Go urged the public to take full advantage of the services offered by the 166 Malasakit Centers nationwide.
Senator Go pointed out that the previous health crisis has been a stark reminder for everyone to value their health. He encouraged residents with health concerns to visit the Southern Philippines Medical Center in the city, where a Malasakit Center is ready to assist with their medical needs.
Senator Go is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. These centers are designed to assist poor and indigent patients by reducing their hospital expenses to the lowest possible amount. The Malasakit Centers program, initiated by Go in 2018, is part of his commitment to improving access to quality healthcare services nationwide. To date, the program has provided assistance to approximately ten million Filipinos.
“Ang Malasakit Center one-stop shop na iyan. Nasa loob na ng ospital ang apat na ahensya ng gobyerno ang PhilHealth, PCSO, DOH at DSWD na handang tumulong sa inyo hanggang mabayaran ang inyong pagpapagamot. Lapitan niyo lang ang Malasakit Center,” explained Go, also known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassion for the poor.
Go’s Malasakit Team distributed shirts, snacks, basketballs, volleyballs, masks, and vitamins to the 333 beneficiaries. Select recipients also received shoes, a watch, and a mobile phone.
Meanwhile, in coordination with Senator Francis Tolentino and Councilor Richlyn “Che-Che” Justol-Baguilod, the government provided financial assistance to help them meet their basic daily needs.
“Huwag ho kayong magpasalamat sa akin. Ako po ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil ako po’y binigyan nyo ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo po sa inyo. Maraming-maraming salamat po,” he expressed.
“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,” underscored Go who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.
