From January 5 to 9, his Palugaw ni Mr. Malasakit initiative resumed in full swing, delivering warm meals to patients, watchers, and medical frontliners across several public hospitals—marking the start of another year anchored in public service.
In Metro Manila, the feeding program reached government hospitals in Manila City, including Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, San Lazaro Hospital, Philippine General Hospital, Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, and Tondo Medical Center. It also extended to Las Piñas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center, Ospital ng Parañaque, and San Juan Medical Center.
Meanwhile, in Mindanao, the initiative once again reached Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City, one of the largest public hospitals in the country and a longstanding partner in Senator Go’s health and welfare programs.
Go emphasized the importance of continuing the program this 2026, especially after seeing its impact in the past two years. “Mula noon hanggang ngayon, nakita natin kung paano nakatulong ang kahit simpleng lugaw sa mga kababayan nating nasa ospital—mga pasyente, bantay, at frontliners na halos hindi na makauwi. Basta kaya, tuloy lang tayo,” he shared.
The Palugaw ni Mr. Malasakit program, which began as a modest outreach effort, has since become a regular feature in many public hospitals nationwide. By providing warm meals, the initiative offers not just nutrition but also comfort and emotional support to those enduring long hours in medical facilities.
Most of the hospitals visited are also home to Malasakit Centers, institutionalized through Republic Act No. 11463, which Senator Go principally authored and sponsored. These centers bring together multiple government agencies under one roof to assist poor and indigent patients with their hospital expenses. The feeding initiative serves as a complementary effort—addressing another crucial, everyday need.
Go said he remains open to continuing and improving the initiative in 2026. “Ang wish ko talaga always ay healthy ang bawat Filipino. Have a happy, healthy new year po sa ating lahat. Para sa akin, ang kalusugan po ay katumbas po yan ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino. Kaya po tayo, bilang vice chairman ng Senate Committee on Health nakatutok po tayo sa kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino.”