PASAY CITY -- Senator and Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography Christopher “Bong” Go once again encouraged Filipinos with health concerns to take advantage of the 151 Malasakit Centers nationwide to help with their medical-related expenses. He reiterated that the pandemic has taught a valuable lesson to prioritize one’s health.
In a video message during a two-day relief activity in Macabebe, Pampanga for struggling residents from Masantol on April 12 and 13, Go reminded the beneficiaries in need of medical care to seek the services of the Malasakit Centers available in their province at Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital in San Fernando City and Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center in Angeles City.
Under the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which Go primarily authored and sponsored, every hospital administered and managed by the Department of Health, and the Philippine General Hospital in Manila City, are mandated to establish their own centers to assist poor and indigent patients in reducing their hospital bills to the lowest possible amount.
The Malasakit Centers program was initiated by Go as part of the senator’s commitment to improve access to quality health services nationwide.
“Mga kababayan ko, kung kayo po ay may nararamdaman pero takot po magpaospital dahil sa mga babayaran niyo, huwag na po kayo matakot dahil andiyan po ang Malasakit Center na handang tumulong po sa inyo,” reassured Go.
“Lapitan niyo lang po ang Malasakit Center, may dalawa po diyan sa probinsya ng Pampanga. Huwag po kayong mahihiya, kung nakita niyo po ang karatula ng Malasakit Center, pasukin niyo po ito at andiyan na po ang apat na ahensya na tutulong sa inyong mga bayarin, ang DSWD, PCSO, DOH, at PhilHealth. Para po sa inyo yan, mga kababayan ko,” he explained.
Go’s outreach team conducted the distributions at the Macabebe Tesda Hidden Paradise for 1,666 struggling residents from the town of Masantol. They handed out masks and snacks and provided select individuals with shoes and bicycles for their commuting needs. Others also received phablets that may be used for educational purposes.
Separately, the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided each pandemic-affected household with financial assistance to help them sustain their daily needs.
Continuing his message, Go appealed to the eligible beneficiaries to participate in the national inoculation program. He stressed that being vaccinated would not only boost their defenses against COVID-19 but would also help hasten the country’s return to normalcy.
The senator likewise reminded the residents to continue adhering to the safety and health guidelines implemented by the government, such as frequent washing of hands, wearing of masks, and social distancing.
“Andiyan pa rin po ang COVID-19. Huwag po tayong maging kumpiyansa. Maging disiplinado pa rin po tayo, mga kababayan ko. Kahit po bumababa na ang kaso, kailangan pa rin po namin ang inyong kooperasyon at tulung-tulong tayo panatilihing ligtas ang ating komunidad,” Go underscored.
“Kung may bakuna na po sa inyong lugar ay magpabakuna na po kayo. Libre naman po itong bakuna at pinaghirapan po ito ng gobyerno. Para po ito sa inyong proteksyon, mga kababayan ko,” he urged.
