Go launches Malasakit Center in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY: Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go said that as part of the Duterte administration’s promise of real change, the government is giving priority to health, livelihood and infrastructure programs for areas outside of Metro Manila, including this city and Iba, Zambales.

“The Duterte administration has brought livelihood programs and infrastructure projects to Zamboanga. We have made improvements to the present access road going to La Paz Resort. And we are expecting that this would promote tourism in that area. We will make traveling to Zamboanga City from Siocon and other neighboring towns easier and faster and we have paved the road sections of the Siocon- Sibuco- Limpana Road,” Go said in his speech.

Aside from the ongoing projects, Go launched the 14th Malasakit Center on Tuesday in Zamboanga City Medical Center, following the three newly-launched centers in Bohol, Cagayan de Oro and Butuan on Monday.

After delivering his speech, Go headed to the hospital wards and gave immediate cash assistance to the patients.

“Habanginiikotko‘yungmga wards,sobrangsiksikantalaga. Paanosilagagalingkungnasa tabi-tabilangsilaatwalang maayosnahigaanhabangnagpapahinga ( As I was roaming around the wards, I saw how crowded it was. How will they get better if there are no available beds while resting and recovering,?’’ Go said.

Similarly, on a short visit to Zambales for a medical mission the Chinese General Hospital conducted at Balin Sambali complex in Iba town on Sunday, Go told members of media that the President wants to help residents of the province, especially indigents, by giving them access to affordable health care.

He said the Malasakit Center would be established in Iba soon.

The Malasakit Center is a onestop shop program of the President to hasten the delivery of medical services and give poor patients access to free medicine. A fast lane prioritizing the senior citizens and persons with disabilities is also available.

Pooled together, the assistance can push the patient’s medical bill, including medicines, to the lowest possible amount.

Meanwhile, President Duterte signed Republic Act 11087 on October 10, increasing the bed capacity of the Zamboanga City Medical Center from 500 to 800 beds.

Go is scheduled to launch another Malasakit Center, the 15th so far, in Legazpi.