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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Siargao Island is home to 125th Malasakit Center

Siargao Island is home to 125th Malasakit Center

Published Jul 4, 2021 01:30 pm

125TH MALASAKIT. Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go (4th from left) inaugurates the 125th Malasakit Center in Siargao Island. (Office of Sen. Bong Go/MANILA BULLETIN)

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go attended the launch of the country’s 125th Malasakit Center on Saturday, July 3 in Siargao Island.

The Senator cited that this is a big step towards improving access to public health services in far-flung communities.

The newest Malasakit center was established at the Siargao District Hospital, which has recently been upgraded and converted into the Siargao Island Medical Center with the enactment of a law that Go sponsored in the Senate last year.

“Sinabi ko talaga na pupunta ako dito sa Dapa (town) para mabuksan at magamit na ng mga pasyente, lalo na ng mga nangangailangan ng tulong, ang Malasakit Center na ito,” Go began in his remarks.

The new Malasakit Center is the second in the province and third in the Caraga region, after the Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City and Butuan Medical Center in Butuan City, Surigao del Sur.

In his message, the Senator lamented that many Filipino patients do not have health insurance coverage and are often left to pay for their medical bills.

The Malasakit Center brings together under its roof the medical assistance programs offered by the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

“Lapitan niyo lang ang Malasakit Center at tutulungan kayo ng mga ahensya para wala na kayong babayaran sa ospital. Kung may balanseng naiwan, may pondong iniwan din si Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte para kung kaya ay maging ‘zero balance’ ang billing niyo. Kung kailangan niyo ng tulong, gaya ng pamasahe, pwede kayong lumapit sa DSWD rin dito,” explained Go.

The Malasakit Centers program was institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, also known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. Go principally authored and sponsored the bill in the Senate prior to President Rodrigo Duterte signing it into law in December 2019.

“So far, we have assisted around two million ... wala itong pinipili na pasyente. Para ito sa mga Pilipino lalo na sa mga poor at indigent patients,” continued Go.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go vowed to work together with local leaders to improve public health services in the island. In 2020, Go sponsored a bill which later became Republic Act No. 11500. The law, which Rep. Bingo Matugas authored, sought to upgrade the capabilities of the Siargao District Hospital and rename it into the Siargao Island Medical Center. This also increases the hospital’s bed capacity from 50 to 100 beds and places it under the supervision of the DOH. It also directs the upgrading of its professional healthcare services and facilities and authorizes the increase of its medical personnel.

“Dumaan ako sa butas ng karayom para ipaglaban ang mga batas para i-upgrade ang mga pampublikong ospital natin dahil alam ko ang mga mahihirap ang makikinabang dito. Minsan may mga ospital na umaabot ng 400% ang occupancy rate. Sa isang kama, may apat na pasyente. Paano sila gagaling kung ganyan ang sitwasyon?” asked Go.

“Hindi ako ‘yung klase na pulitiko na mangangako ng hindi ko kaya gawin. Pero makakaasa kayo na magseserbisyo ako sa abot ng aking makakaya. Sa mga doctors, nurses at iba pang frontliners dito, ‘wag kayong mag-alala dahil ipaglalaban ko kayo,” he reiterated.

The Senator’s team handed out meals, food packs, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 115 frontline health workers after the ceremony. Selected beneficiaries were given bicycles while others received pairs of shoes. Some also received computer tablets for their children’s education.

The DSWD also provided qualified rank-and-file hospital employees with financial assistance in a separate distribution. Similar aid was likewise extended to 25 indigent patients.

Among those present during the activity were Secretary Michael Dino of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, 1st District Rep. Matugas, Governor Francisco T. Matugas, Mayor Elizabeth Matugas, Chief of Hospital Dr. Ester Tan, and other local officials.

Also present were Board Members Constantino Navarro IV, Nathaniel Plaza, Edgar Andanar, Guillermo Boncaros, and Julecs Sunico; Burgos Mayor Emmanuel Arcena, Del Carmen Mayor Proserfina Coro, General Luna Mayor Cecilia Rusillon, Pilar Mayor Liza Resurreccion, San Benito Mayor Ma. Gina Menil, San Isidro Mayor Lamberto Domiños, Sta. Monica Mayor Fernando Dolar, and Socorro Mayor Felizardo Galanida, among others.

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