During his visit, Senator Go not only distributed gifts but also delivered a heartfelt message of hope and compassion to patient watchers staying at the facility.
“Ang bisyo ko talaga ay magserbisyo, lalo na para sa ating mga nangangailangan,” the senator shared during the event. “Kaya taun-taon, ginagawa ko ang lahat ng makakaya ko para maipakita ang malasakit sa mga kapwa nating Pilipino.”
The Bahay Pahulayan, a haven for patient watchers who often come from distant provinces, was bustling with families and hospital staff who received holiday gift packs, meals, and practical tokens such as calendars and keychains. To encourage recreation and camaraderie, Senator Go also donated basketballs and volleyballs to the facility.
Senator Go emphasized the importance of supporting not just the patients but also the families who accompany them. "Hindi lang ito tungkol sa gamot o operasyon—mahalaga din ang pagdamay sa mga bantay ng pasyente dahil sila ang nagbibigay ng lakas at suporta sa mga nagpapagaling," he said.
This year, about 100 individuals—comprising families housed in Bahay Pahulayan 1 and 2, as well as facility staff—benefited from Go’s outreach. Acknowledging their sacrifices, the senator personally distributed meals, fare, and Christmas gift packs while sharing words of encouragement.
“Hindi ko man maibigay ang lahat, sisiguraduhin kong maipadama sa inyo ang aking suporta, malasakit at serbisyo sa ganitong mga pagkakataon sa abot ng aking makakaya,” Go added.
The senator also took the opportunity to thank those who work tirelessly behind the scenes at Bahay Pahulayan, including House Supervising Steward Dawn Banzon and staff member George Lomantas. Their dedication ensures the facility remains a safe and welcoming space for families during difficult times.
“Alam kong mahirap ang trabaho ninyo, pero dahil sa inyong malasakit, mas nagiging madali ang pag-aalaga sa mga bantay ng pasyente,” Senator Go said, expressing his gratitude to the team.
As part of his health reforms crusade, Senator Go has consistently advocated for improved healthcare access across the country. Programs like the Malasakit Centers, which he principally authored and sponsored through Republic Act No. 11463 (Malasakit Centers Act of 2019), continue to serve millions of Filipinos seeking medical assistance.
“Ang Malasakit Center ay ginawa para walang Pilipinong mapabayaan pagdating sa serbisyong medikal,” he noted. The facility at SPMC remains a flagship example of how the program alleviates the financial burden on Filipino families.
Malasakit Centers are one-stop shops aiming to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount. As of now, 166 Malasakit Centers are operational across the country, poised to assist with patients' medical expenses. The DOH reports that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to more than 15 million Filipinos.
Go reaffirmed his commitment to pushing for further advancements in healthcare. “Ang pangarap ko ay isang bansa kung saan bawat Pilipino may access sa serbisyong medikal na abot-kamay at abot-kaya,” he concluded.
The annual visit to Bahay Pahulayan has become a testament to Senator Bong Go’s enduring connection to his constituents. As the New Year begins, his message resonates strongly: a reminder that even in the face of adversity, compassion and solidarity can make all the difference.
“Minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa ay gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” he said.
“Ako ang inyong Senator kuya Bong Go, patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat. Dahil ako po ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo po yan sa Diyos, serbisyo po yan kay Allah. Maraming salamat po,” he concluded.
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