Senator Bong Go is urging the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to not only continue but expand its assistance programs, particularly in health and transportation, for indigent Filipinos who rely on Malasakit Centers. Go emphasized that improving these services is critical to supporting the country’s most vulnerable.
During Senate deliberations on the DSWD’s proposed 2026 budget, Go pointed out the significant role that transport assistance plays in easing the burden of indigent patients. “Malaking tulong po ito, aside from medical assistance na idadagdag ninyo mula sa inyong office. Iyung pamasahe po, baka puwede nyong tingnan nang mabuti. Hirap po (ang mga pasyente) sa pamasahe,” he stated, calling attention to the financial challenges patients face in getting to healthcare facilities.
The senator further stressed that transport aid would make a meaningful difference for those accessing help at Malasakit Centers. By removing the need for patients to travel to regional or provincial offices, Go believes the process can be streamlined, allowing them to receive all necessary assistance at these one-stop shops. “Malaking bagay po ‘yun na matulungan sila sa Malasakit Centers nang hindi na kailangang pumunta sa inyong mga regional o provincial offices. Baka puwedeng mabigay na yung pamasahe,” Go added.
As the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, Go reminded the DSWD of its legal obligation to ensure that these centers serve as efficient hubs for medical aid, staffed by trained personnel who can guide patients through the assistance process. He commended the DSWD for its compliance with the law, but reiterated the need for more effective implementation.
“Wag na nating pahirapan ang ating mga kababayan. Unang-una, pera po ng taumbayan ‘yan; dapat po’y ibalik sa kanila ng mabilis na paraan,” Go emphasized, urging quicker and more accessible aid for the public.
The Malasakit Centers, established under Republic Act No. 11463, are designed to bring together resources from the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), DSWD, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). These centers aim to provide indigent patients with comprehensive support for hospital bills, medicines, and other healthcare-related expenses.
Go’s push for expanded services at these centers reflects his continued commitment to ensuring that Filipinos, especially the poor, have access to efficient and timely government aid.
