Bong Go welcomes DSWD chief's commitment to support, strengthen Malasakit Centers
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Wednesday, May 17 said he is elated to hear Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian’s commitment to support and further strengthen the Malasakit Centers program among other initiatives that can help uplift the lives of the poor.
Gatchalian made the commitment during the confirmation hearing at the Commission on Appointments (CA) last Tuesday, May 16. The CA consequently confirmed his nomination.
Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program.
“The department… always makes it a point to support all laws that are mandated on us to be the lead agency or the support agency. We have full deployment of social workers and case managers in the Malasakit Centers,” Gatchalian said during the confirmation hearing.
For his part, Go expressed his gratitude for the DSWD chief’s shared vision for the Malasakit Centers program.
The senator pointed out how patients have to deal even with the high transportation costs and having the Malasakit Centers will help defray medical costs.
"You know, the fare is also a big deal for our poor countrymen. They can save on the fare, it's time they no longer need to go back and forth. Let's help them. ...The poor, they are the ones who go to government hospitals,” Go said.
“We are honored to have you as the Secretary of the DSWD, and I have no doubt that you will exceed our expectations,” he further told Gatchalian.