BONG GO STRENGTHENS FEEDING INITIATIVES TO COMPLEMENT MALASAKIT CENTERS AND PROMOTE HOLISTIC CARE: ‘MALASAKIT SA MAYSAKIT’

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service, continues to expand his feeding initiatives across the country, emphasizing his dedication to helping Filipinos, especially those struggling financially.

These initiatives are closely tied to the Malasakit Centers program, which Go principally authored and sponsored through Republic Act No. 11463. This law aimed to provide much-needed support to indigent patients and their families to cover their hospital expenses through easy access to medical assistance programs.

Recognizing the challenges faced by many Filipinos, Senator Go, a health reforms crusader, explained why he remains motivated to strengthen these efforts. “Maraming kababayan natin ang nagkakasya na lang sa pamasahe papunta sa ospital o pambayad sa gamot. Kung may maihahain tayong pagkain, mababawasan kahit konti ang iniisip nila. Malasakit is not just about medical assistance—it’s about caring for the whole person,” Go shared.

The senator’s feeding programs aim to bridge the gap for financially strained families, ensuring that a warm meal becomes one less worry as they care for their sick loved ones.

From hospitals in Luzon to Visayas and Mindanao, Go and his Malasakit Team has rolled out feeding drives, complementing the assistance provided by over 166 operational Malasakit Centers nationwide. These centers offer one-stop-shop medical assistance to indigent patients, simplifying access to various government aid programs.

From December 5 to 8, feeding programs were carried out in hospitals across the country, reaching patients, families, and medical staff in various regions. In the National Capital Region (NCR), meals were distributed at Pasay General Hospital, the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), Taguig-Pateros District Hospital, National Center for Mental Health (NCMH), San Juan Medical Center, and Cardinal Santos General Hospital.

In other parts of Luzon, feeding efforts reached the Governor Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital in Laoag City, and Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital in Batac, both in Ilocos Norte. Meanwhile, in Central Luzon, the program covered Eduardo L. Joson Memorial Hospital and Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center, both in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija.

In Northern Mindanao, warm meals were shared with patients, families, and frontliners at J.R. Borja General Hospital and Northern Mindanao Medical Center, and Northern Mindanao Medical Center, all in Cagayan de Oro City; and Bukidnon Provincial Hospital in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

In the CARAGA Region, hospitals such as Siargao Island Medical Center in Dapa, Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City, Butuan Medical Center in Butuan City, and Democrito O. Plaza Memorial Hospital in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur were included.

Finally, Senator Go’s ‘palugaw’ reached Dr. Jorge Royeca General Hospital in General Santos City, South Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Koronadal City, Cotabato Regional Medical Center in Cotabato City, and North Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Kidapawan City.

The program’s wide reach reflects Go’s vision of a government that truly cares for the welfare of its citizens. “Ang bawat pagkain na naipamamahagi ay paalala na hindi sila nag-iisa sa kanilang laban. Patuloy nating ipaparamdam sa kanila na ang gobyerno ay narito para sa kanila,” Go affirmed.

For Senator Go, these feeding initiatives go beyond addressing hunger. They represent a tangible expression of care and malasakit, particularly during challenging times. His approach underscores the belief that healthcare should include emotional and physical nourishment, particularly for those in difficult circumstances.

“Patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” emphasized Go.