The Office of Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, in coordination with Congresswoman Mitzi Cajayon-Uy, assisted impoverished residents of Caloocan City, through a relief operation held at the Congressional District Office on 16 and 17 October.
During the event, 1,900 residents received masks, vitamins, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball from the senator. Additionally, there were select recipients of shoes, mobile phones, and watches.
In a video message, Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, took the opportunity to address the residents and reminded them to prioritize their health.
"Huwag nating kalimutan na ang kalusugan ay kayamanan, kaya the more we should invest in our healthcare system," Go said.
"Ang kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino ay katumbas ng mas maayos at maginhawang buhay para sa buong komunidad," he added.
He encouraged them to make use of the 31 Malasakit Centers in Metro Manila, including the one located at Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital in the city.
These Malasakit Centers serve as convenient, one-stop shops that offer medical assistance programs to poor patients. Go, who principally authored and sponsored the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, said there are currently 159 such centers nationwide. According to the Department of Health (DOH), these centers have benefitted more than seven million Filipinos.
"One-stop shop, nasa loob ng hospital ang Malasakit Center. Lapitan n'yo lang po iyan, para sa inyo 'yan, para sa Pilipino 'yan, para sa mga poor and indigent patients, tutulungan kayo n'yan," he added.
Moreover, Go championed the establishment of Super Health Centers, which aim to strengthen the healthcare system by providing access to basic medical services in strategic locations across the country. He consistently advocated for these facilities and emphasized their role in ensuring that more Filipinos have access to affordable healthcare at the grassroots level.
"I will continue to support the expansion of Super Health Centers in our country to the best of my ability," Go said.
"We have seen the tremendous impact of Super Health Centers in our communities, especially in rural areas. That is the goal of Super Health Centers – to bring government medical services closer to the people," he added.
Sufficient funds have been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. In Caloocan, three Super Health Centers will be established through the collective efforts of the local government and fellow lawmakers.
Moreover, Go highlighted the recent passage of Republic Act No. 11959 or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which he principally sponsored and is one of the authors in the Senate. The said law mandates the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers within existing DOH regional hospitals.
As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also extended his support to several infrastructure initiatives in Caloocan City to help boost its economic growth, such as the construction of multipurpose buildings.
Last 11 October, more indigents received assistance from the senator.