Senator Christopher “Bong” Go once again demonstrated his commitment to uplifting the lives of indigent Filipinos as he provided them additional assistance on Monday, November 25 in Passi City, Iloilo.
Highlighting the significance of improving the quality of life for the poor, Go reiterated his dedication to boosting the health and welfare of Filipinos starting from the community level, to help ensure a secure and healthier future for all.
“Prayoridad ko ang pagsuporta sa pro-poor programs at dapat po ay sikapin ng gobyerno na walang magutom na Pilipino. ‘Yan po ang pakiusap ko parati sa kapwa ko lingkod bayan,” said Go, who is also dubbed Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to the poor.
The senator’s Malasakit Team coordinated with Mayor Stephen Palmares and facilitated the distribution of aid to 1,000 impoverished residents held at Barangay Punong Covered Court. Additionally, during the said event, the beneficiaries received snacks, shirts, vitamins, basketballs, and volleyballs from Go’s team. Some of them also received shoes and a mobile phone.
In coordination with the local government and concerned agencies, qualified beneficiaries also received financial support from the government.
As the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography and a health reforms crusader himself, Go encouraged the community to visit the Malasakit Centers in Iloilo 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.
“Nasa loob na po ng isang kwarto sa ilang mga pampublikong ospital ang apat na ahensya ng gobyerno na may medical assistance programs para hindi na kailangang pumila at bumyahe pa sa iba’t ibang opisina para humingi ng tulong pampagamot,” cited Go.
First established in 2018, the Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop that brings together concerned agencies to provide indigent patients with easy access to medical assistance programs.
Currently, the program has established 166 Malasakit Centers nationwide, which have helped over 15 million Filipinos, according to the Department of Health (DOH). It was institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, which Go principally sponsored and authored.
“Mga kababayan ko, patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” Go ended.
