SEN. Christopher “Bong” Go underscored the need for sustained government assistance during disasters and medical emergencies as he led a relief distribution for 132 residents affected by a fire in Parañaque City.
Go, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, highlighted the role of Malasakit Centers in helping indigent patients cope with hospital expenses.
“Government services should continue without interruption, whether during disasters or times of illness. That is why we pushed for the Malasakit Centers to help poor patients during such circumstances,” he said during his visit at the Barangay Vitalez Gym following the Sept. 20 fire.
Go and his Malasakit Team distributed food packs, snacks, water containers, shirts, vitamins, and balls for pickleball, basketball, and volleyball. His team also extended financial assistance to affected residents, while selected beneficiaries received shoes, a mobile phone, and a bicycle.
The relief effort was conducted in coordination with Barangay Vitalez Chairman Alex Alvarez and other barangay officials who helped facilitate the distribution.
“What’s important is that no one was hurt and that we are alive. Let us thank the Lord that we are here and for the life He has given us,” he said.
Go was the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act (RA) 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the program.
Malasakit Centers serve as one-stop shops designed to help poor patients reduce their medical costs.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), 167 Malasakit Centers are operating nationwide and have assisted more than 17 million Filipinos. One of the centers is located at Ospital ng Parañaque.
Go also cited efforts to establish more than 700 Super Health Centers nationwide through the combined efforts of lawmakers, the DOH, and local government units. Two Super Health Centers are planned for Parañaque City.
He also pointed to RA 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, which he principally authored and co-sponsored, as a measure intended to strengthen the BFP’s capability to respond to fires and other emergencies.
