Senator Christopher “Bong” Go visited the Balay Pahulayan facility of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City on December 31 to check on patient watchers and families staying near the hospital while caring for confined relatives.

During the visit, Go spoke with individuals temporarily residing at the facility and distributed assistance aimed at addressing immediate needs such as food and transportation expenses.

“Ang bisyo ko talaga ay magserbisyo, lalo na para sa ating mga nangangailangan,” Go said. (“My commitment is to public service, especially for those in need.”)

Go, who serves as vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, said patient recovery is often supported by the presence of family members who remain with them during hospitalization.

The senator also cited the Malasakit Centers program, which he principally authored and sponsored through Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. The program provides a one-stop system to help indigent patients access medical assistance and reduce hospital expenses.

“Ang Malasakit Center ay ginawa para walang Pilipinong mapabayaan pagdating sa serbisyong medikal,” he said. (“The Malasakit Center was created so that no Filipino would be neglected when it comes to medical services.”)

According to the Department of Health, 167 Malasakit Centers are currently operating nationwide and have assisted more than 17 million Filipinos.

During the activity at SPMC, attendees received food packs, snacks, transportation assistance, shirts, pens, and fans. Some beneficiaries also received additional items such as basketballs and volleyballs through a random distribution.

Hospital personnel, including Officer-in-Charge Dawn Banzon, were present during the visit.

Go said he intends to continue visiting hospital facilities and supporting healthcare-related initiatives.

“Minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa ay gawin na natin ngayon,” he said. (“We only pass through this world once. Whatever good or help we can give to others, we should do it now.”)