On Tuesday, August 27, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, through his Malasakit Team, assisted hundreds of displaced workers consisting of women, senior citizens, youths, and solo parents in San Jose, Batangas in coordination with Mayor Ben Patron and Vice Mayor Renji Arcilla.
During the activity held at the town’s New Municipal Building, Go, an adopted son of CALABARZON with familial origins in Batangas through the Tesoro clan, had his Malasakit Team distribute snacks, vitamins, masks, shirts, and basketballs and volleyballs to all 304 beneficiaries. He also provided a mobile phone and shoes to select recipients.
With Go’s advocacy in helping the Filipinos in need, he supported the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) which held an orientation for the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged / Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program. They detailed how the program aims to provide livelihood support to those who qualify.
Go commended this initiative in the quest to uplift the lives of the Filipinos, especially the hopeless and the helpless, especially those living in the far-flung areas.
Meanwhile, Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also advocated for more health facilities in the country. Through the collective efforts of the Department of Health (DOH) led by Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, local government units, and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds have been allocated for the construction of around 700 Super Health Centers, including 18 in Batangas, to bring primary health services closer to communities.
He also mentioned that there are two Malasakit Centers located at Batangas Medical Center in Batangas City and Batangas Provincial Hospital in Lemery, which Batangueños with health-related concerns may visit if they need assistance with their hospital bills.
“Sa mga pasyente, lapitan niyo lang ang Malasakit Center dahil para ‘to sa inyo. Kung may hospital bill kayo, nandiyan ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno na tutulong para mabayaran ito,” said Go.
Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. Currently, 166 Malasakit Centers are operational nationwide, poised to assist with patients’ medical expenses. The DOH reports that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to more or less ten million Filipinos.
“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” underscored Go who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.
