Press Release - 'Palugaw ni Mr. Malasakit': Bong Go promotes health and nutrition through feeding programs in Malasakit Centers

In the fight against hunger and to offer a glimmer of hope to financially struggling Filipinos, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has embarked on a compassionate mission to provide nourishment to those in dire need.

Central to this effort are the feeding programs conducted by Go's Malasakit Team for medical frontliners, indigent patients and their watchers at Malasakit Centers nationwide.

Malasakit Centers, initiated by Go, streamline access to medical assistance for indigent and financially incapacitated individuals and families. These centers play an essential role in ensuring that those who are most in need can receive the necessary medical care without the added stress of financial constraints and the need to visit different government agencies to receive their respective assistance. The goal is straightforward yet profound: to alleviate the suffering of those who face severe health challenges while struggling to make ends meet.

Go, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. The Department of Health reports that the current 166 Malasakit Centers have already provided aid to more or less ten million Filipinos.

Senator Go's recent focus has been on amplifying efforts to organize feeding programs within these centers, particularly targeting patients who are often overwhelmed by medical expenses.

"Our goal is to help ensure that no Filipino goes hungry, especially those who are already facing significant health challenges," Go asserts. This statement captures the essence of his initiative—addressing the immediate need for food while also providing comfort to those needing medical attention.

From August 19 to 30, Go's Malasakit Team has provided rice porridge or 'lugaw' in multiple hospitals with Malasakit Centers in the country, including San Lazaro Hospital and Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center in Manila City; Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital in Caloocan City; East Avenue Medical Center, Philippine Heart Center, Philippine Orthopedic Center, and National Children's Hospital in Quezon