Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has expanded his commitment to holistic care by launching feeding programs nationwide. These ‘palugaw’ initiatives highlight a broader vision of community resilience and support, complementing the operations of Malasakit Centers.
Go pointed out that hunger often compounds the challenges of accessing healthcare. "Kapag walang laman ang tiyan, mahirap gumaling o mag-alaga ng may sakit. Ang malasakit ay hindi lang tungkol sa medikal na serbisyo, ito rin ay tungkol sa pagtulong sa pamilya sa kanilang pang-araw-araw na laban," he said.
These feeding initiatives are part of Go’s broader mission to provide comprehensive support to those in need. From 9 to 11 December, Go’s Malasakit Team carried out simultaneous feeding drives in hospitals across the country.
In Metro Manila, beneficiaries included the National Children's Hospital (NCH), Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC), and the Philippine Children's Medical Center (PCMC) in Quezon City; Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center in Marikina City; Ospital ng Malabon and San Lorenzo Ruiz Women's Hospital in Malabon City; and Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital (DJNRMH) in Caloocan City.
Feeding also took place at Quirino Provincial Hospital in Cabarroguis, Quirino; Joni Villanueva Memorial Hospital in Bocaue, Bulacan; Margarito Duavit Memorial Hospital in Binangonan; and Cainta Hospital in Cainta, both in Rizal.
Additionally, hospitals in the provinces included Agusan del Norte Regional Medical Center (ADNRMC) and Butuan Medical Center (BMC) in Butuan City; Amai Pakpak Medical Center (APMC) in Cotabato City; and Siargao Island Medical Center (SIMC) in Surigao del Norte.
The feeding programs were implemented in partnership with local organizations and volunteers, creating a ripple effect of care and community involvement.
These efforts reflect Go’s belief that healthcare and social services must intersect to create meaningful impact. "Kahit isang mainit na pagkain lang, malaking bagay na sa kanila. Malasakit means standing with them every step of the way," he remarked.
Complementing the success of over 166 Malasakit Centers, these feeding programs aim to provide a more comprehensive form of support for Filipinos. The senator emphasized that health should not just focus on medical treatment but also address the social factors that impact well-being.