CABANATUAN CITY – Former special assistant to the President Bong Go vowed for the institutionalization of zero-balance health services for every Filipino as inaugurated the country’s 21st Malasakit Center at the Eduardo L. Joson Memorial Hospital here on Monday.
The center that was inspired by the way Pres. Duterte served the people of Davao as their mayor, will serve as a one-stop shop for all the medical needs of the residents, said Go who is aspiring for a Senate seat.
He explained Duterte helped patients even from outside Davao City.
“Para sa kanya, Pilipino rin sila at hindi puwedeng hindi niya tulungan,” he said, noting that the Commission on Audit would disallow using city funds to help patients from other places.
“Kaya nung naging pangulo siya sabi ko gagawa kaya tayo ng programa kung paano natin mapapabilis ng proseso,” Go said.
Several government agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and the local government units will put up satellite offices so patients will not have to spend so much time and money in processing.
“Ito yung panahon na litung-lito yung mga pasyente at hindi nila alam kung saan sila hihingi ng tulong. Mangungutang dito, tatakbo dito, pupunta ng munisipyo…tulungan na lang natin sila, huwag na natin silang pahirapan,” thus, Malasakit Centers were conceived.
“Ngayon may Malasakit Center Kayo sa Nueva Ecija, sa iisang bubong nandodoon na po yung representative ng DOH, DSWD, PAGCor, PCSO, at PhilHealth,” he said in a brief speech.
Go also received a warm welcome from members of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations from all over Nueva Ecija who joined him in a boodle fight at the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office compound in this city.
He later spoke to political leaders and barangay captains of the province.
