Go aids indigent senior citizens in Binangonan

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bong Go’s Malasakit team provided assistance to indigent senior citizens in Binangonan, Rizal on Tuesday.

Known as Mr. Malasakit, Go acknowledged the role of the elderly and their contributions to their families and communities as he underscored the government’s responsibility to support them, particularly the underprivileged.

“Kilala naman ang Pilipino sa pag-aalaga ng mga lolo’t lola. Hindi natin pinapabayaan ang mga lolo’t lola natin di ba? Hanggang sa pagtanda nila, inaalagaan natin sila. Ito po ay isang paraan upang ipakita natin sa kanila yung pasasalamat, pagmamalasakit at pagmamahal sa ating mga lolo’t lola,” Go said.

The senator co-authored and co-sponsored Republic Act 1982 or the amendments to the Centenarian Act, which President Marcos signed on Feb. 28.

The law provides cash gifts of P10,000 each for Filipinos aged 80, 85, 90 and 95 aside from the P100,000 cash gift given to centenarians.

Go stressed the government’s commitment to recognize and reward the contributions of senior citizens to the society. “The amendments to the Centenarian Act reflect our dedication to honor the longevity and contributions of our elderly,” he said.

Go was also co-author of RA 11916 or the Act Increasing the Social Pension of Indigent Senior Citizens.

He said the Malasakit Centers program helps in reducing hospital expenses for the elderly while Super Health Centers bring basic health services closer to Filipinos.

Go offered assistance to those who need medical care and encouraged them to visit the Malasakit Centers in the province. These are at the Antipolo City Hospital System Annex IV, Casimiro A. Ynares Sr. Memorial Hospital in Rodriguez, Bagong Cainta Municipal Hospital and Margarito A. Duavit Memorial Hospital in Binangonan.

Seventy senior citizens were assisted by the Malasakit Team. They received snacks, food packs, vitamins, face masks, shirts, basketballs and volleyballs at the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs in Binangonan.