MALASAKIT CENTER LAUNCHES IN DAGUPAN

DAGUPAN CITY – Dagupeños and Pangasinenses will now be able to avail of free quality medical assistance with the launching of a Malasakit Center at Region 1 Medical Center.

Former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Health Secretary Dr. Francisco T. Duque III, Social Security Services (SSS) Commissioner Atty. Gonzalo T. Duque and Former Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson witnessed its inauguration during a ceremony held on February 22.

BONG GO VISITS DAGUPAN CITY – (left photo) Former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go arrives at Region 1 Medical Center with Social Security Services (SSS) Commissioner Atty. Gonzalo T. Duque (far right), Pangasinan Governor Amado 'Pogi' Espino III (2nd from right, 2nd row), Mayor Belen Fernandez (2nd from left) and Councilor Luis “Chito” Samson (far left) for the inauguration of the province’s first Malasakit Center found in Region 1 Medical Center. (right photo) Go flashes President Duterte’s signature pose with (from left to right) Councilor Dennis Canto, Liga ng mga Barangay President Dean Bryan Kua, Mayor Fernandez, Councilor Marvin Fabia and Lyceum Chairperson and Trustee Dr. Nieva T. Duque during his stint as guest of honor during 50^th Foundation Anniversary celebration of Lyceum-Northwestern University. (CIO photos by Arriz Fruelda)

Joining them were Pangasinan Governor Amado 'Pogi' I. Espino III, Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, Liga ng mga Barangay President Dean Bryan Kua and members of the city’s Sangguniang Panlungsod.

The Malasakit Center is a project initiated by Go under President Duterte’s administration which establishes a one-stop shop where satellite offices of government agencies such as Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), PhilHealth, Department of Health are housed in one place in order to expedite patients’ requests for medical and financial assistance.

Go said that the Malasakit Center will complement the Universal Health Care Law or Republic Act No 11223 which was recently signed into law by the president.

“Malaking bagay ito kasi yung PhilHealth na po ang maghahawak subalit kung may balanse parin kayo sa mga bills ninyo sa government hospitals, ito ay babayaran ng Malasakit Center. It will complement each other.” added Go.

Go also thanked his supporters all over the province for the warm welcome he received during his brief visit to the city.

The Malasakit Center launched in Region 1 Medical Center is the first center of its kind in Pangasinan, the 11^th in Luzon and the 24^th nationwide. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)