SBG joins in launching of PH’s 127th ‘Malasakit Center’ in Cavite
SENATOR Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go took time from his hectic schedule to personally attend the launching of the country’s 127th ‘Malasakit Center’ at the Southern Tagalog Regional Hospital in Bacoor City, Cavite province, last July 7, 2021.
Go noted that the establishment of more Malasakit Centers is part of the Duterte administration’s commitment to bring government closer to the people and improve public health delivery to those in need, especially amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The center is the 11th in the Calabarzon region and the second in Cavite, in addition to the General Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Hospital in Trece Martires City which opened last January 2020.
In his remarks, the Senator — who serves as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health — described the challenges faced by low-income patients in getting access to quality healthcare.
He lamented that Filipinos living in poor areas often forego medical care or end up financially burdened due to medical expenses.
“Nung wala pa ang Malasakit Center, kailangang pang lumapit ng mga pasyente sa iba’t ibang opisina ng gobyerno para magmakaawa na tulungan sila. Lunes, pipila ‘yan sa city hall para humingi ng tulong kay mayor, Martes sa PhilHealth at Miyerkules sa (Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office),” Go noted.
“Bakit ba natin sila pinapahirapan? Bakit kailangan pa nilang magmakaawa sa gobyerno kung pera naman nila ‘yan? Kaya isinulong ko sa Senado para maging batas ‘to para kahit wala na kami ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ay tuloy-tuloy lang ang programang ito,” he continued.
To address the need for an efficient integrated system for conveniently availing medical assistance, Go principally authored and sponsored the Malasakit Centers Act (RA 11463) that was signed into law by Pres. Duterte on December 3, 2019.
“Isa lang pakiusap ko sa mga susunod na administrasyon, sana ipagpatuloy niyo ang mga programa gaya ng Malasakit Center dahil nakakatulong naman ito sa mga mahihirap.
“Bihira naman na pupunta sa mga pampublikong ospital ang mga mayayaman. Ang pumupunta dito ang mga mahihirap at walang matakbuhan,” the solon noted.
Go also reminded the hospital staff to provide their poor patients with the necessary treatments and medical attention.
He also promised to continue looking after the welfare of medical workers and health professionals.
Following the ceremony, Go and his team handed out meals, food packs, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 239 medical frontliners.
They also gave selected recipients new shoes or bicycles while others received computer tablets for their children’s educational needs.
