Senator Bong Go has renewed focus on the often-overlooked role of patient watchers, stressing that the burden of illness is also carried by family members who stay beside patients throughout hospitalization.
Go said relatives who take turns guarding patients—whether a spouse, parent, grandchild, or pamangkin—endure emotional, physical, and financial strain, often setting aside work and family responsibilities to provide constant support.
“Hindi lang pasyente ang may dinadala sa ospital. May asawa, magulang, apo, o pamangkin na naiwan ang trabaho at pamilya para magbantay,” Go said. “Sila ang tahimik na sumusuporta sa paggaling, kahit pagod at kapos, tuloy pa rin.”
Speaking as vice-chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Go noted that while medical care centers on patients, recovery is closely linked to the strength and presence of those accompanying them.
His remarks followed a visit to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) Balay Pahulayan in Davao City, where he checked on families temporarily staying near the hospital.
Go emphasized that patient watchers should be recognized in healthcare policies, saying small forms of assistance—such as food, shelter, and transport support—can significantly ease their daily burden.
“May mga pamilyang salitan ang pagbabantay—minsan ang asawa, minsan ang anak, minsan ang apo,” he said. “Kahit simpleng tulong sa pagkain o pamasahe, malaking ginhawa na ‘yan sa kanila.”
He added that the concept of halfway houses, which began in Davao City during the time of then-Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, has since expanded into a national model to support families of patients in major hospitals across the country.