Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, visited the Malasakit Center at the Dr. Rafael Tumbokon Memorial Hospital on Saturday, 18 January, to reaffirm his commitment to improving healthcare access, particularly in rural communities.

The visit coincided with the Ati-Atihan Festival, providing a festive atmosphere for the event. Go was welcomed by Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores, Kalibo Mayor Juris Sucro, local officials, and hospital staff.

During his visit, the senator inspected the operations of the Malasakit Center and expressed his continued support for enhancing healthcare services in the province.

“Asahan po ninyo na patuloy akong tutulong sa inyo. Alam ko po na hindi madaling magkasakit lalo na kung malayo ang ospital o kulang sa pondo. Kaya naman patuloy nating ilalapit ang serbisyong medikal saan mang sulok ng bansa,” Go said.

The Malasakit Center serves as a one-stop shop for medical assistance programs from various government agencies, aimed at reducing the financial burden on indigent patients by streamlining access to aid from the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

Known for his "Malasakit" advocacy, Senator Go encouraged Aklanons to utilize the services offered by the Malasakit Center, which has helped millions of patients nationwide. To date, 166 Malasakit Centers have been established across the country, benefiting over 15 million Filipinos, particularly those in need.

In addition to his hospital visit, Go led a feeding program for patients, hospital staff, and their families. He personally served rice porridge to offer comfort to those undergoing treatment and their caregivers. The senator also distributed grocery packs, shirts, basketballs, and volleyballs to some patients and hospital staff.

Go highlighted the government's efforts to expand healthcare services, including the establishment of Super Health Centers that provide primary care, diagnostic services, and minor medical procedures. He assured Aklan residents that efforts to bring healthcare closer to their communities are ongoing, noting that he visited one of the centers in the town on the same day.

Concluding his visit, Go reiterated his commitment to serving the public with compassion and dedication, emphasizing that healthcare remains a top priority.

“Mahalaga po sa akin na makitang malusog ang ating mga kababayan. Kaya naman ipagpapatuloy ko po ang aking pagseserbisyo upang mas marami pa tayong matulungan. Tandaan natin na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo rin sa Diyos,” Go said.