BONG GO EXPANDS ‘PALUGAW’ IN MALASAKIT CENTERS TO SUPPORT FRONTLINERS, PATIENTS AND FAMILIES: ‘MALASAKIT SA MAY SAKIT’

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continues to champion the cause of holistic healthcare by underscoring the need to expand and sustain feeding initiatives in hospitals and Malasakit Centers across the country.

With many Filipino patients and their watchers already benefiting from these initiatives, Go emphasizes that providing meals is more than just an act of charity—it is an important aspect of healthcare and an essential element in the broader conversation of food security.

As the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, Go has ensured that millions of Filipinos have access to medical assistance. However, he recognizes that many families, while receiving much-needed healthcare, still struggle with daily needs like food. “Healthcare is not only about medicines and treatments—it’s also about ensuring that patients and their families do not go hungry while they are in the hospital,” Go stated.

As hospitals can often be an overwhelming environment for families, particularly those who have traveled far from their homes for treatment, the provision of food helps alleviate some of their immediate worries.

The senator’s call for the continued expansion of these initiatives is rooted not just in compassion but in the practical understanding of food security as a growing concern for many Filipino households. He argues that food security—the availability, accessibility, and affordability of food—should be integrated into national healthcare strategies. By ensuring that patients and their watchers have access to proper meals, the government is addressing both health and nutrition needs simultaneously.

“Sikapin nating tiyakin na walang Pilipino ang mag-aalala pa kung saan magmumula ang kanilang susunod na pagkain. Isa itong pangunahing karapatan na dapat nating tugunan kasabay ng pangangalagang pangkalusugan,” he added.

Nutritional support is vital for patients, as many of them require balanced meals to aid their recovery, while watchers—often family members who provide emotional support—also need sustenance to remain strong during trying times.

Without proper nutrition, patients may face longer recovery times, and their overall health could deteriorate. This is why Go believes that feeding programs should not be seen as supplementary but rather as integral to the healthcare system.

From October 21 to 24, Go’s Malasakit Team served riced porridges at Margarito Duavito Hospital in Binangonan, Cainta Municipal Hospital, both in Rizal; Philippine General Hospital, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center and Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, all in Manila City; Ospital ng Malabon and Lorenzo Ruiz Women’s Hospital in Malabon; National Children’s Hospital and Philippine Orthopedic Center in Quezon City; and Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC).

By tying these initiatives to the broader goal of food security, Go continues to uplift the Filipino people, proving that genuine public service means caring for all aspects of a person’s well-being.

“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.