As the country continues to manage a significant number of flu-like cases, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go stresses the importance of maintaining vigilance and complying with health protocols, including the voluntary use of masks whenever possible.

In an interview on Thursday, 30 November, after attending the groundbreaking of the Super Health Center in Malabon City, Go addressed the public's concern about the rising cases in China and its implications for the country.

"Kaya nga po sinabi ko kanina, huwag tayong maging kumpiyansa… Kung hindi naman po sagabal sa parte ninyo, magsuot pa rin tayo ng face mask," said Go.

He encouraged the voluntary use of face masks, saying, "Kung nagawa nating mag-face mask sa dalawang taon, ngayon pa na hindi naman po mandatory."

The Department of Health (DOH) is currently not advising the implementation of border controls in response to the recent surge in respiratory illnesses reported in China. The rise in respiratory cases in Beijing, predominantly among children, has been noticeable since mid-October. Additionally, in November, there have been reports of clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in several children's hospitals in China.

Meanwhile, Go also highlighted the government's efforts to provide accessible healthcare, particularly for early disease detection.

"Nandiyan naman po ang mga Malasakit Centers, mga DOH hospitals, mga government hospitals, even private hospitals. Nandiyan din po ang inyong Super Health Center. Kaya nga po may Super Health Center para diyan na po gagawin ang mga early disease detection," he remarked.

Malasakit Centers bring together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, DOH, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. These one-stop shops aim to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount.

Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program.

Currently, 159 Malasakit Centers are operational across the country, poised to assist with patients' medical expenses. DOH reported that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to around ten million Filipinos.