Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has resumed his hospital feeding initiative at the start of the year, providing meals to patients, watchers, and medical frontliners in several public hospitals across Metro Manila and Mindanao.

From 5 to 9 January, Go’s Palugaw ni Mr. Malasakit program distributed warm meals in major government hospitals in Manila, including Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, San Lazaro Hospital, Philippine General Hospital, Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, and Tondo Medical Center. The initiative also covered Las Piñas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center, Ospital ng Parañaque, and San Juan Medical Center.

In Mindanao, the feeding program was again carried out at the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City, one of the country’s largest public hospitals and a long-time partner in Go’s health-related initiatives.

Go said the continuation of the program this 2026 was driven by its impact over the past two years, particularly on patients and their families who spend extended periods in hospitals.

“Mula noon hanggang ngayon, nakita natin kung paano nakatulong ang kahit simpleng lugaw sa mga kababayan nating nasa ospital—mga pasyente, bantay, at frontliners na halos hindi na makauwi. Basta kaya, tuloy lang tayo,” he said.

The Palugaw ni Mr. Malasakit initiative, which started as a small outreach effort, has become a regular activity in public hospitals nationwide. Aside from providing meals, the program aims to offer comfort and support to those enduring long hospital stays.

Many of the hospitals visited also house Malasakit Centers, which bring together various government agencies to assist indigent patients with medical expenses. The feeding program serves as a complementary effort by addressing daily needs of patients and their companions.

Go said he intends to sustain and further improve the initiative this year, underscoring the importance of health as a priority.

“Ang wish ko talaga always ay healthy ang bawat Filipino. Have a happy, healthy new year po sa ating lahat. Para sa akin, ang kalusugan po ay katumbas po yan ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino. Kaya po tayo, bilang vice chairman ng Senate Committee on Health nakatutok po tayo sa kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino,” he said.