BONG GO LEADS ‘PALUGAW’ AT MALASAKIT CENTER IN BACOOR CITY, CAVITE; UNDERSCORES IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITION AND ACCESSIBLE HEALTHCARE

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate approach to public service, led a feeding program at the Southern Tagalog Regional Hospital in Bacoor City, Cavite, on Friday, September 13.

The initiative is part of his continuous effort to support hospitals with Malasakit Centers, ensuring that patients not only receive medical assistance but also their immediate nutritional needs towards recovery.

During his visit, Go also checked on the operations of the Malasakit Center, which was launched at the hospital on July 7, 2021. The center provides a one-stop-shop where indigent patients can access medical assistance from different government agencies, including PhilHealth, the Department of Health (DOH), the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“Ang Malasakit Center ay para sa mga kababayan nating nahihirapan sa hospital bills. Sa isang kwarto sa loob ng hospital, nandiyan na ang mga ahensya na tutulong sa inyo. Hanapin niyo lang ang karatulang ‘Malasakit Center’ at tutulungan kayo ng mga social workers sa inyong pampagamot,” Go shared, emphasizing his dedication to making healthcare more accessible to those in need.

These Malasakit Centers, a brainchild of Go, serve as one-stop shops for accessing government medical assistance programs, making healthcare more accessible to Filipinos. As the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act, Go takes pride in the establishment of 166 Malasakit Centers nationwide, which have served approximately 12 million Filipinos to date based on DOH data.

Meanwhile, Go’s palugaw initiative seeks to comfort and hope for patients who are dealing with the burden of illness. He highlighted the connection between proper nourishment and patient recovery, saying, “Kapag ang pasyente ay nakakain ng sapat, mas mabilis silang gagaling. Hindi lang natin iniisip ang kanilang mga bills, pati na rin ang kanilang kalusugan at kaginhawaan.”

The event was attended by hospital staff, including Malasakit Center Head Grace Soriano, Supervising Administrative Officer Jonel Osio, Chief of Clinics Dr. Francia Sobrevinas, and Chief Nurse Molette Gonzales.

Go expressed his gratitude to the healthcare workers for their tireless service, distributing grocery packs and shirts as tokens of appreciation for their dedication to the health and well-being of the community.

“Ako po ay nandito hindi lang para magbigay ng tulong, kundi para iparamdam na hindi kayo nag-iisa. Kasama niyo kami sa oras ng pangangailangan,” said Go.

Go’s team has been actively conducting similar feeding programs in hospitals across the country, aiming to touch the lives of as many Filipinos as possible. These efforts are part of his broader advocacy for holistic patient care, where nourishment, healthcare, and emotional support go hand in hand.

Through his various initiatives, Go remains steadfast in his mission to serve the Filipino people with compassion and dedication. Whether through feeding programs or improving access to medical services, his goal is clear: to make sure no Filipino is left behind, especially in times of need.

“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,” Go concluded, reiterating his commitment to public service as both a personal mission and a divine calling.

On the same day, Go also distributed aid to fire victims in the city.