BONG GO AND MALASAKIT CENTER HELP CALOOCAN CITY MOTHER’S FIGHT FOR HER CHILD’S HEALTH

Rowena Ampo’s life took an unexpected turn when she discovered her pregnancy while being treated for myoma, a condition known for its benign tumors in the uterus. At the time, Rowena, a 27-year-old mother from Caloocan City, was unaware of the profound challenges that lay ahead.

As Rowena recounted the birth of her son, Ranidel Garonia, her voice carries a mixture of sorrow and resilience. “S’yempre po, nalungkot po ako kasi bata pa po tapos may ganitong na po siya. Malaking tulong po ‘yung Malasakit (Center) sa kanya,” she explained.

Rani, now four, was diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy and Global Developmental Delay (GDD) shortly after her birth, which was fraught with complications.

Rowena’s journey as a single mother caring for a child with severe disabilities is a testament to her strength. Despite the overwhelming odds, she found solace and support in the Malasakit Center at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center in Quezon City. The program, a brainchild of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, aims to provide accessible healthcare services to Filipinos in need.

The center not only provided medical assistance but also became a source of hope for Rowena and Ranidel.

An MRI revealed that Rani’s brain development was atypical—half of her brain was underdeveloped, presenting numerous health challenges. Despite these difficulties, Ranidel shows signs of understanding and can engage in limited communication.

“Nakakaintindi naman po siya, makakausap naman. Nakakapagsalita naman po siya, kaso hindi lang maintindihan po,” Rowena shared, revealing the daily struggles and the expensive treatments that accompany Rani’s condition.

The financial burden of Ranidel’s condition is significant, with ongoing costs for special milk and medications. Yet, Rowena’s determination never wavers. She is grateful for the Malasakit Center’s help, which significantly alleviates her financial strain, allowing her to focus more on Rani’s care rather than constant financial worry.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa Panginoon, kasi ganito lang po ‘yung nangyari sa anak ko, hindi po siya grabe. At least po, maalagaan ko pa naman po siya,” she said.

Rowena’s story is not just about the challenges she faces but also about the community and governmental support systems that play a critical role in her life. Go’s Malasakit Center initiative is crucial for families like Rowena’s, providing not just medical but also moral support.

“Kay Senator Bong Go po, sana po marami pa po kayong matulungan na katulad po namin na may anak po na ganito,” Rowena hoped aloud, reflecting the sentiment of many Filipinos who rely on these centers.

Malasakit Centers bring together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. These one-stop shops aim to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount.

Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program.

Currently, 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 or less ten million Filipinos.

“Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, anumang pagsubok ang ating haharapin sa susunod na mga araw, patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” Go said.