Senator Christopher "Bong" Go celebrated New Year's Eve with the patient watchers at Balay Pahulayan Temporary Shelter at Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City on Sunday, 31 December.

During his visit, the senator and his Malasakit Team shared Noche Buena by distributing meals, food packs, and other forms of aid. He also gave food to the security guards and vendors he passed by.

In a simple gathering, Go showed his compassion to the patient watchers amid their hardships and eased their burden.

"I know how hard it is to be away from your loved ones, especially during this time of the year. This simple gesture is to make you feel that you are not alone and that we are here for you," Go said.

"Nandito kami para magmalasakit at tumulong sa abot ng aking makakaya lalo na sa panahon ng inyong pagdadalamhati," he added.

He also thanked the medical frontliners and hospital staff for their dedication and sacrifice in serving the public amid the pandemic and beyond.

"You are our heroes, and we owe you a lot. I will continue to support your needs and welfare as long as I am in public service," he added.

In addition to the help he offered, Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, mentioned to his fellow Mindanaoans that they can avail of medical assistance at the Malasakit Center located in the SPMC.

Through Republic Act No. 11463, a measure principally authored and sponsored by Go in the Senate, hospitals operated by the Department of Health and other public hospitals can establish their Malasakit Centers. These centers aim to expedite and simplify the process of obtaining medical assistance, especially for patients who are financially disadvantaged or indigent.

There have been 159 operational Malasakit centers in the country since the program was initiated in 2018. More or less ten million Filipinos have benefitted from the Malasakit Centers so far, according to DOH.

The senator also highlighted his initiative to help establish Super Health Centers in key locations nationwide, including eleven throughout Davao City, to make basic public health services more accessible to communities in need.