Manileños urged to avail of health aid at PGH Malasakit Center

Go said the center is a one-stop shop desk that would assist less fortunate Filipinos in their health concerns and medical expenses. (PNA Photo)

MANILA — Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Saturday urged Manileños and the public to support the “Malasakit Center” which is set to be launched at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in Manila on Sept. 12.

Go said the center is a one-stop shop desk that would assist less fortunate Filipinos in their health concerns and medical expenses.

“Inaanyayahan ko kayo especially ang ating mga senior citizens na pumunta sa PGH para sa launching ng ating Malasakit Center. May pondo pong inilaan si President Rodrigo Duterte para tulungan kayo sa pagpapagamot at libreng gamot (I’m inviting you, especially our senior citizens, to go to PGH for the launching of the Malasakit Center. President Rodrigo Duterte has allocated funds to help you get treatment for free),” Go told victims of Thursday’s fire in Sta. Cruz, Manila.

“Makakatulong din ito sa pagbawas (ng) burden sa mga anak ng mga senior citizen, may libreng gamot po ito. Pumunta kayo para malaman ninyo kung paano ang proseso para makapagavail kayo ng tulong na ito na para sa inyo (This will also help ease the burden of the children of our senior citizens, because there are free medicines. Go there so you would know the process, so you could avail of the help),” he added.

Go said the medical assistance project is in coordination with Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Department of Social Welfare and Development, PhilHealth, among others.

During his visit to the fire victims, he distributed food and cash assistance to some 60 individuals who were affected by the fire that razed about four houses last September 6.

“Ako po ay pinadala ni Pangulong Duterte dito para ihatid sa inyo ang konting tulong na ito mula sa gobyerno at mula sa mga kaibigan ko mula sa private sector (I was sent here by President Duterte to give you this little help from the government and from friends in the private sector),” he said.

Aside from food and financial assistance, Go also offered relocation from the National Housing Authority (NHA).

He also committed to provide free uniforms for students and working individuals.

“Magpapabili po ako uniforms ng mga estudyante at pati na yung mga nagtatrabaho na nasunugan. Ako na po ang bahala sa mga uniform nyo (I’ll buy uniforms for the students and those working who were affected by the fire incident),” he added.

Go also clarified that Duterte was “not serious” when he told Filipinos in Jordan that he is running for the Senate next year.

“Binibiro lang nya mga tao sa Jordan, sinabi nya na ‘papayag ba kayo?’ Nagpalakpakan naman sila (He was just joking with the people in Jordan, he asked them, ‘are you okay with that?,’ and they applauded),” he said.

“Hindi ako interesado but I’m leaving it to the wisdom of the President kung saan ako makakatulong at mas alam niya kung abi kapasidad kong tumulong sa kapwa Pilipino (I’m not interested, but I’m leaving it to the wisdom of the President wherever he thinks I’m fit to help, because he knows my capacity in helping Filipinos),” Go added.

Go then proceeded to Navotas where he also distributed relief and financial assistance to fire victims in Barangay Tangos.