Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go’s Team joined the feeding activity held at Tagaloguin-Adona Polymedic & Diagnostic Center, Inc. (TAPDCI) in Ozamiz City, Misamis occidental, underscoring the value of simple and compassionate acts of service that directly benefit ordinary Filipinos.
The feeding initiative, which was organized by TAPDCI, led by its Medical Director, Dr. Amy Adona, aimed to provide warm meals to patients, watchers, and members of the CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA), including motorcycle drivers who help ensure mobility and security in the area.
Held on January 9, the activity was supported by Senator Go through his team, who took part in the distribution of lugaw. Go’s They also gave shirts to 85 beneficiaries.
For many families who travelled long distances to seek medical care, a simple bowl of lugaw offers comfort and relief amid physical, emotional, and financial strain.
In a message, Senator Go expressed his appreciation for initiatives like this, noting that modest efforts can have a meaningful impact on people facing difficult circumstances. “Alam naming maliit lang ito, pero para sa mga pamilya ng pasyente, lalo na ‘yung wala talagang inaasahan, isang mangkok ng lugaw ay may kasamang mensahe: may malasakit pa rin,” he said.
As Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Go reiterated his advocacy for accessible and compassionate healthcare services, particularly for indigent patients.
“Napakahalaga po sa akin ang kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino kaya may Malasakit Center po tayo na para sa Pilipino—inyo po ’yun, karapatan po ’yan ng bawat Pilipino,” he emphasized.
Malasakit Centers serve as one-stop shops designed to help financially distressed patients reduce their hospital expenses to the lowest possible amount. Senator Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the program. According to the Department of Health (DOH), 167 Malasakit Centers are now operating nationwide, benefiting more than 17 million Filipinos.
In Ozamiz City, a Malasakit Center is located at the Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Medical Center, ensuring continued access to government medical assistance for residents.
Senator Go also welcomed partnerships with hospitals and local stakeholders that share the same goal of helping patients in need. “Kung may mga ganitong inisyatiba, handa po kaming makiisa at sumuporta. Tahimik man, ang mahalaga ay may natutulungan,” he said.
The activity at TAPDCI highlighted how collaboration between healthcare institutions and public servants can bring comfort and hope to those who need it most.
