The Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go provided assistance to disadvantaged residents of Alamada, North Cotabato last July 7, as part of the senator’s continuing efforts to ensure Filipino families get the support they need from the government.
“Nandirito ngayon ang aking opisina para makatulong, makabigay ng mga solusyon sa kanilang mga problema, makatulong po sa mga pasyente lalung-lalo na po ‘yung mga mahihirap nating mga kababayan, at makapag-iwan po ng kaunting ngiti sa panahon ng kanilang pagdadalamhati,” Go said through a video message.
Go’s team held the activity at Settler’s Hall inside Alamada's municipal building where they assisted 197 struggling residents. The senator’s staff distributed shirts, vitamins, masks, and snacks to the residents, and gave away balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development also extended financial assistance to each individual.
Go, chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, emphasized the significance of Malasakit Centers in delivering healthcare services to people across the country.
These centers serve as centralized hubs where various government agencies collaborate, and offer a streamlined and convenient approach for individuals to access medical assistance programs.
In a bid to alleviate the burden of struggling individuals and families, and improve their access to essential healthcare services, Go initiated the Malasakit Centers in 2018. It was institutionalized in 2019 through Republic Act No. 11463.
Since then, the program has helped more than seven million indigent patients, according to the Department of Health.
“Mayroon na po tayong 158 na Malasakit Center sa buong Pilipinas na laging handang tumulong sa ating mga kababayan. Meron po kayong Malasakit Center sa Cotabato Provincial Hospital dyan sa Kidapawan City. Ang Malasakit Center po batas na ‘yan na isinulong ko noon, pinirmahan ni dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte. One stop shop po ‘yan, nasa loob na po ng hospital ang apat na ahensya ng gobyerno – PhiliHealth, PCSO, DOH, DSWD. Tutulungan po kayo, para po ‘yan sa mga poor and indigent patients,” Go explained.
Go, who is also vice chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, has supported the construction of Arakan, Natutungan and Bangbang barangay halls in Matalam; concreting of farm-to-market and local roads in Alamada, Banisilan, Libungan, Midsayap and President Roxas; construction of bridges in Arakan, Kabacan and Tulunan; construction or rehabilitation of drainage canals in Kabacan and Pikit; and construction of potable water system facilities in Tulunan.
“Minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa ay gawin na po natin ngayon dahil hindi na po tayo babalik sa mundong ito. Iyan po ang totoo. Ako po ang inyong Senador kuya Bong Go, kasama ng mga lingkod bayan na narito, patuloy po ako na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat.” Go reminded.
Last June 17, Go visited Alamada where he personally led a relief distribution for farmers.
