Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Sunday urged Filipinos to remain calm amidst circulating rumors of a new international health crisis, particularly those originating from China.
The senator, who chairs the Senate Health Committee, cautioned the public against spreading unverified information and instead urged them to rely on official sources like the Department of Health (DoH) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
“Let us ensure that we get our information from reliable sources, such as the DoH and WHO,” Go said in a statement. “Accurate information is crucial to prevent panic and ensure everyone takes the necessary precautions.”
The DoH earlier dismissed the rumors as baseless, assuring the public that no such threat has been confirmed by international health authorities. The agency also highlighted the country’s robust disease surveillance system, which is continuously monitoring the global health situation.
Go, a staunch advocate for public health, reiterated the importance of prioritizing health and well-being.
“Let’s prioritize our health because it’s equivalent to the life of every Filipino. Let’s stay healthy, eat right, exercise, and follow the advice of doctors and experts,” the lawmaker said.
To further bolster the country’s healthcare system, Go highlighted his ongoing initiatives such as the Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers and the Regional Specialty Centers. These programs, he said, aim to improve access to healthcare and reduce medical expenses for Filipinos, especially those from marginalized sectors.
“For our patients, please visit the Malasakit Centers. They are for you. If you have hospital bills, government agencies are there to help you pay for them,” Go said.
Malasakit Centers, one-stop shops that reduce hospital expenses for indigent patients, have been established nationwide through Republic Act 11463, which Go authored.
Super Health Centers, on the other hand, provide primary healthcare services at the community level. Go has been instrumental in pushing for the establishment of over 700 of these facilities.