Senator Christopher “Bong” Go visited Vigan City, Ilocos Sur on Monday, June 26, to personally check on the operations of the Malasakit Center at Ilocos Sur Provincial Hospital (formerly known as Gabriela Silang General Hospital) to ensure that it continues to provide efficient and accessible medical assistance services to the people of the province particularly poor and indigent patients.
Accompanied by Governor Jerry Singson, Go highlighted that his visit aimed to evaluate the center’s performance, identify areas for improvement, and reaffirm his commitment to improving healthcare delivery across the country.
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, this is part of his oversight functions on the implementation of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 which he principally authored and sponsored in the Senate.
“Sir Bong, hindi ka namin makakalimutan dahil madalas ka dito sa amin. Alam niyo ba, yung mga nagpapatulong sa opisina ko, nililibre namin lahat yan. Pero yung hindi ko kaya, wala akong ibang nilalapitan kundi si Senator Bong Go. Tuwing kumakatok ako sa pintuan niya (at) nagpapatulong, ang sagot sa akin ni senator, ‘Governor, andiyan na ang staff ko para makipag coordinate sayo.’ Wala pang one minute, andiyan na yung staff niya,” Governor Singson expressed in a speech earlier that day.
“We are very privileged to have with us a great man from the southernmost part of the country visiting the northernmost Ilocos region. (You are) truly a genuine and dedicated public servant, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go.
We feel special about your visit as it signifies your love for the people of Ilocos Sur. The province of Ilocos Sur has long been enjoying the support of Senator Bong Go through the provision of medical assistance to indigent patients in our public hospitals and funds for this frontline program, the Malasakit Center,” Governor Singson added.
Recognizing the significance of collaboration and partnership, Senator Go commended all key officials, including the Chief of Hospital of Ilocos Sur Provincial Hospital, Dr. Rodolfo Tongson, and Administrative Officer Dennis Avelino, among others, for their unwavering support in making sure the Malasakit Center initiative is able to benefit constituents.
Go also recognized during his visit other local officials such as Vice Governor Ryan Singson, Bantay Mayor Samuel Parilla, Vice Mayor Samuel G.F. Parilla II, Vigan City Mayor Bonito Singson, Vice Mayor Randy Singson, Caoayan Mayor Germy Goulart, as well as former Gov. Chavit Singson, for their commitment to the welfare of their community.
“Mayroon na po tayong 158 na Malasakit Center sa buong Pilipinas na laging handang tumulong po sa ating mga kababayan. At mayroon po kayong Malasakit Center dito po sa provincial hospital po ng Ilocos. It’s a one-stop shop, nasa loob na ho ng ospital ‘yung apat na ahensya ng gobyerno – PhilHealth, PCSO, DOH, at DSWD. Lapitan n’yo lang po ang Malasakit Center, para po ‘yon sa Pilipino,” explained Go in his speech.
“Kung mayroon po kayong mga pasyente, sabi ko kay governor kung kailangang dalahin sa Heart Center, sa NKTI, sa Lung Center, sa Ortho sa Maynila, sa Children’s (Medical) Center, ako na ho ang sasalo doon pati pamasahe hanggang makabalik dito ang inyong pasyente. Tutulungan po namin. Ang importante po buhay tayo at pangalagaan po natin ang buhay na ibinigay sa atin ng Panginoon. Isang beses lang po tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Tulungan po natin ang isa’t isa,” he offered.
The Malasakit Center, a program initiated by Senator Go, serves as a one-stop shop where patients can conveniently avail themselves of medical assistance from various government agencies. The center brings together concerned agencies, such as Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, to assist poor and indigent patients with their medical expenses and help reduce it to the lowest amount possible. To date, there are 158 operational centers in the country.
During his visit, Senator Go had the opportunity to engage with patients and medical staff, listening to their concerns and firsthand experiences with the center’s services. This approach allowed him to gain valuable insights into the challenges faced by both the beneficiaries and the healthcare providers, enabling him to address these issues effectively.
In addition, Go provided assistance, such as grocery packs, masks, vitamins, and snacks to 155 in-patients and 629 frontliners, including security guards, utilities, and other hospital staff. The senator also gave away bicycles, shoes, watches, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients.
Continuing his remarks, Go expressed his gratitude to the center’s dedicated staff and emphasized the importance of providing accessible healthcare services to all Filipinos, particularly the indigent and marginalized sectors of society.
Aside from the Malasakit Center initiative, the senator has championed the establishment of more Super Health Centers nationwide, including those in Candon City, Santa Maria, Sigay, and Bantay — the last one was personally inspected by Go that day.
“Bilang Chairman po ng Committee on Health, another priority ko po aside sa Malasakit Center, ito pong Super Health Center. Sa tulong po ng mga kasamahan ko sa Kongreso, ito pong Super Health Center is a medium type of a polyclinic. Mas maliit sa ospital, mas malaki sa Rural Health Unit. Pwede po diyan ‘yung panganganak, pwede po diyan ‘yung dental, laboratory, x-ray. At pwede po itong i-expand po ng ating mga LGUs dahil ite-turn over po ito sa LGUs pagkatapos,” Go explained.
Moreover, Senator Go used the opportunity to highlight efforts to establish regional specialty centers to enhance accessibility to specialized medical services for the public. Go principally sponsored and is one of the authors of Senate Bill No. 2212, commonly referred to as the Regional Specialty Centers Act which is now pending the approval of the President before being enacted into law.
Previously, Go was also instrumental in the passage of Republic Act No. 11705, establishing the Ilocos Sur Medical Center in Candon City.
