‘Ti number one nga requirement for Malasakit is valid ID… ken proof nga nagpa-checkup and na-confine ka ditoy KPH,’ – SWO Bitanga on requirements of Malasakit Center in Kalinga.

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Social Welfare Officer (SWO) Virginia M. Bitanga reminds patients seeking assistance from the Malasakit Center that a valid ID and proof of hospital confinement or check-up are the primary requirements.

The Tabuk-based Malasakit Center continues to serve hundreds of indigent patients each month, many of whom rely on the government’s financial assistance to cover hospitalization costs and medical needs.

According to Bitanga, to be able to avail the services of the center, presenting a valid government-issued identification card and proof of having undergone medical consultation or confinement at the hospital are essential in verifying eligibility for the assistance.

“Ti number one nga requirement for Malasakit ti amin nga patient is valid ID, wala nang iba. Number one pay kuma is National ID—yun lang ang requirement ni Malasakit. If wala namang national ID, any valid ID pero preferably talaga kuma, national ID. Diyay lang ti requirement ni Malasakit tapnu maka-avail ka iti assistance—basta adda ditoy hospital,” she shared.

To undergo assessment, patients are required to present one valid ID along with signed charge slips, diagnostics, or lab reports from a government doctor affiliated at the facility.

For the free services and assistance to be granted, Bitanga further relayed that proof of check-up and confinement at Kalinga Provincial Hospital (for people in Kalinga) must be established saying, “….that is one also, masapol nga you have to establish nga dito ka nagpa-checkup and dito ka na-confine. Nu kayat tayo nga free, you have to be confined here—I mean, ditoy tayo nga na-confine at the KPH and nagpa-checkup tayo ditoy.”

The SWO also stressed that Malasakit assistance is limited to patients confined at KPH or its OPD. Others are not covered unless referred by government-run district hospitals or RHUs with private facilities excluded.

“Malasakit assistance is limited to patients confined or seen at KPH or its OPD. Others are not covered unless referred by government-run district hospitals or RHUs. Private facilities are excluded. Kasi adu ti mangkuna nga ni Malasakit ket pagsilbihan na amin—hindi po. Basta ang amin lang, established na dito siya na-confine, na-checkup,” Bitanga concluded.

With the rising patient census, the Malasakit Center and KPH continue to exert their best efforts to serve all patients and respond to every concern, ensuring that assistance is provided fairly and efficiently, even amid the growing volume of cases.