Go said he seeks to further improve the welfare of senior citizens by institutionalizing Malasakit Centers where express lanes are designated for them. #BongGo #MalasakitCenter #aidtofirevictims

Sen. Go said he seeks to further improve the welfare of senior citizens by institutionalizing Malasakit Centers where express lanes are designated for them. (SBG)

Showing his concern for his fellow Davaoeños, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go distributed food packs and some financial assistance to victims of a fire in SIR Phase 1, Brgy. 76-A, Bucana, Davao City on Saturday, 19 October.

The senator told families who lost their homes he is also providing school supplies and uniforms to affected school children so they may attend their classes immediately.

He also offered help to those injured or are suffering from health conditions.

“Kung kailangan po ninyo ng espesyalista, tutulungan ko po kayong makapagpa-konsulta sa mga doktor,” said Go.

The senator urged them to go to the nearest Malasakit Center where they can avail of medical financial assistance from various government agencies.

The Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City, one of the biggest government hospitals in the country, houses one of the earliest Malasakit Centers in the Philippines. There are presently 46 Malasakit Centers nationwide and Go is scheduled to open another one in Tagum City on Monday.

Go was joined by representatives from the National Housing Authority, Department of Health, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor and Department of Trade and Industry to provide additional government assistance to the victims.

In an ambush interview, Go said he seeks to further improve the welfare of senior citizens by institutionalizing Malasakit Centers where express lanes are designated for them.

“Mayroon po tayong Republic Act (RA) 11350 na nag-create ng National Commission of Senior Citizens. This ensures the rights and welfare of senior citizens,” said Go.

“Ako naman, isa sa mga advocacy ko ay health, mga Malasakit Centers. Kaya naman nag-file ako ng senate bill institutionalizing Malasakit Centers para hindi na bungi-bungi. Ang apat na ahensya ng gobyerno, nasa iisang kwarto na lang. It’s a one-stop shop. May express lane din para sa mga senior citizens at PWDs,” Go said.

“Dati, pumipila pa ang mga kababayan natin sa iba’t ibang mga opisina sa ilalim ng sikat ng araw, at sangkatutak na forms pa ang sinasagutan para lamang humingi ng assistance mula sa gobyerno. Ubos na ang pera nila, ubos pa ang panahon nila. Sa Malasakit Center, mas pina-simple na ang proseso. ‘Yang tulong naman na iyan, pera nila ‘yan. Ibinabalik lamang natin sa kanila,” he added.

Meanwhile, Go told reporters that cases must be filed against those involved in corruption at the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

“Ako, as the Senate Committee on Health chairman, naniniwala ako na dapat kasuhan ang dapat kasuhan, ‘yung mga involved sa fraudulent claims,” Go said.

“Up to the last centavo ng pera ng gobyerno, gamitin sa tao. Lalo na with the implementation of the Universal Health Care Law.”