More pandemic-affected communities benefited from Sen. Bong Go’s relief efforts as his team conducted a distribution activity for 1,000 residents in Maragondon, Cavite.
In a video message, Go, who was reelected chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, reminded the beneficiaries to look after their health and encouraged them to avail of the services of any of the two Malasakit Centers in the province if they need assistance with their hospital expenses.
Go initiated the Malasakit Centers program in 2018 after personally witnessing how indigent Filipinos across the country are having a hard time getting the medical attention they need mostly due to the expensive hospital services.
The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop that brings together all government agencies that offer medical assistance programs, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
“Zero balance po ang target ng Malasakit Center, hanapin niyo lang po diyan po sa inyong lugar. Para po ‘yan sa mga indigent patients, para po ‘yan sa mga Pilipino,” said Go, who primarily authored and sponsored the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.
The Malasakit Centers in Cavite are at Southern Tagalog Regional Hospital in Bacoor City and General Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Hospital in Trece Martires City.
To date, there are 151 Malasakit Centers nationwide.
The senator’s outreach team enforced the necessary health and safety protocols during the visit on 3 August at the Maragondon Town Plaza. The team handed out meals and masks to the residents.
In addition, they gave bicycles, phablets and new pairs of shoes to select individuals.
Representatives from DSWD extended financial aid through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.
An adopted son of CALABARZON, Go has also supported various initiatives in Cavite, such as the road improvements in the cities of Cavite, Dasmariñas, General Trias, Imus and Tagaytay; rehabilitation of covered courts in various barangays in General Trias City; rehabilitation and improvement of the municipal fire station in Noveleta; acquisition of ambulance units for Indang and Trece Martires City; and improvement of a sports facility in Cavite State University in Indang.