Senator Christopher "Bong" Go renewed his appeal to Filipinos to prioritize their health as he highlighted the services being offered in all of the 151 Malasakit Centers across the country in a video message during a two-day relief operation held by his team in Barbaza, Antique on September 6 and 7.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go remained steadfast in his commitment to push for a more improved access to quality healthcare services, particularly in rural communities.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by many public hospitals and the struggles of financially incapacitated Filipinos, Go initiated the Malasakit Centers program in 2018. After seeing the success of the Malasakit Center, the senator then principally authored and sponsored the measure that became Republic Act No. 11463, also known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.

"Bakit natin papahirapan 'yung mga kababayan natin kung pwede naman po natin ilagay sa iisang kwarto yung apat na ahensya ng gobyerno — ang DSWD, PCSO, DOH, at PhilHealth, na handang tumulong po sa inyo," Go remarked.

"Noong hindi pa po ako senador, naglagay kami sa Cebu. Kaya naman noong nakita namin na maraming natulungan ito, pinursigi ko po talaga ito maisabatas. Ngayon mandated by law na included all DOH hospitals magkakaroon ho ng Malasakit Center," he cited.

In Antique, residents may conveniently avail of medical assistance from the Malasakit Center at Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital in San Jose.

Go's team held the relief activity at the Barbaza evacuation center where they handed out masks and snacks to 1,000 struggling residents. They also gave away shoes, computer tablets, bicycles, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select individuals.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided financial aid through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.

The Department of Trade and Industry also extended livelihood support to qualified individuals. Lastly, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority provided scholarships to potential beneficiaries based upon assessment.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go also supported several initiatives in the province to ensure its progress amid the ongoing pandemic, such as the purchase of multicabs in Laua-an, improvement of a public park in Belison, expansion of the water system in Libertad, construction of a bridge in Patnongon, purchase of an ambulance and construction of a flood control structure in San Jose, and construction of a covered court in San Remigio, among others.

"Mga kababayan ko, alam ko pong napakahirap ng panahon ngayon pero kaunting tiis na lamang po. Magtiwala po kayo sa gobyerno at malalagpasan din natin ang ating krisis na kinakaharap," reassured Go.

"Huwag po kayong mag-aalala dahil ako naman po ay tutulong pa rin sa abot nang aking makakaya. Nakakapagod man po ang maging public servant pero makita lang po kayong nakangiti ay nakakawala po talaga ng pagod. Maraming salamat po," he concluded.