Go expands hospital feeding drive to more public facilities nationwide

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go sustained his hospital feeding initiative from 16 to 20 February, bringing warm meals to patients, caregivers and healthcare workers in public hospitals and community facilities nationwide.

The outreach, which began as a modest effort to assist those spending long hours in hospitals, has expanded into a continuing program covering multiple regions.

In Metro Manila, feeding activities were conducted at the Philippine Orthopedic Center, National Children’s Hospital and Quirino Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City, as well as at Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center in Marikina City.

In Central Luzon, the initiative reached Bulacan Medical Center in Malolos City, Rogaciano Mercado Memorial Hospital in Santa Maria, and Joni Villanueva General Hospital in Bocaue. In Bataan, meals were distributed at Bataan General Hospital in Balanga City and Mariveles Mental Wellness and General Hospital.

The program also covered Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center in Angeles City and the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Hospital in San Fernando City, both in Pampanga, as well as Tarlac Provincial Hospital in Tarlac City.

In the Visayas, meals were distributed at Balagtas Elementary School in Barangay Balagtas, Matag-ob, Leyte, benefiting members of the local community.

In Mindanao, the feeding initiative continued at Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City, one of the country’s largest public hospitals and a regular site of Go’s health-related outreach efforts.

Senator Go said the number of beneficiaries motivates him to continue the program.

“Kapag nakikita natin kung gaano karami ang natutulungan—mga pasyente, bantay, at health workers—mas lalo tayong naeengganyong ipagpatuloy ito. Hangga’t kaya, tutulong tayo sa abot ng ating makakaya,” he said.

The feeding initiative complements the Malasakit Centers established in many government hospitals, which aim to streamline access to medical assistance for indigent patients by bringing together key government agencies under one roof.

While Malasakit Centers focus on easing hospital expenses, the feeding activities seek to address the immediate daily needs of patients and their companions who remain within hospital premises for extended periods.

Through the continuing outreach, Go’s office said it remains focused on providing practical support to communities, particularly in public healthcare institutions.