GO IN NUEVA ECIJA. Former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go is warmly welcomed by residents of Nueva Ecija during his visit in the province on Monday, Jan. 21, 2019. (Photo by Marilyn Galang)
CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija -- Former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go vowed to institutionalize zero-balance health services for every Filipino.
Go made this disclosure during the inauguration of the 21st Malasakit Center at the Eduardo L. Joson Memorial Hospital here Monday, where he was warmly welcomed by Novo Ecijanos.
The center, which was inspired by the way President Rodrigo Duterte served the people of Davao City during his stint as mayor, will be a one-stop shop for all the medical needs of the residents, said Go, who is aspiring for a Senate seat.
He explained that the President has been helping patients even those from outside Davao City who have been seeking help.
"Para sa kanya, Pilipino rin sila at hindi puwedeng hindi niya tulungan (For him, they are also Filipinos who should also be given help)," Go said.
"Kaya nung naging pangulo siya sabi ko, gagawa kaya tayo ng paraan na programa kung paano tayo magpapabilis ng proseso (That is why when he became President, I told him that we will make a program on how to expedite the process)," Go said.
Several government agencies, among them the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and local government units (LGUs), will put up a satellite office so patients need not spend so much time and money in having their documents processed.
"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 (This is the time when patients are confused and do not know where to ask for help. They will borrow, go to the municipal government. Let us just help them and not give them a difficult time)," Go said.
"Ngayon, may Malasakit Center kayo sa Nueva Ecija. Sa iisang bubong, nandodoon na po yung representative ng DOH, DSWD, Pagcor (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.), PCSO, at PhilHealth (Now that you have a Malasakit Center here in Nueva Ecija, representatives of the DOH, DSWD, Pagcor, PCSO, and PhilHealth are already under one roof)," he said in a brief speech.
While here, Go also received a warm welcome from members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA) 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. (PNA)
