HOW A CALOOCAN RESIDENT GETS RENEWED HEALTH AND HOPE THROUGH THE AID OF BONG GO AND THE MALASAKIT CENTER INITIATIVE

John Francis de Castro’s health journey is a testament to how a health reforms can bridge the gap between overwhelming medical needs and tangible assistance. De Castro, 28, from Caloocan City, has battled chronic kidney disease since 2013. His life has revolved around dialysis sessions and managing complications linked to high blood pressure—a condition his family initially underestimated. By 2015, his condition worsened, requiring regular dialysis and ultimately leading to critical surgery to remove his parathyroid glands.

Reflecting on his journey, de Castro shared: “Natulungan po kami ng Malasakit Center. Nung na-ospital po, nagpa-opera po na total parathyroidectomy. Doon po kami lumapit kay Sen. (Christopher) ‘Bong’ Go sa pamagitan ng Malasakit po.”

This assistance came through the Malasakit Center program, a key initiative advocated by Senator Go. Designed as one-stop shops, Malasakit Centers aim to cover and reduce hospital bills for indigent patients to the lowest possible amount. Established through Republic Act No. 11463, which Go principally authored and sponsored, the centers have become an integral part of improving healthcare access in the country.

Currently, 166 Malasakit Centers operate nationwide, providing assistance to more than 15 million Filipinos, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

De Castro’s challenges extended beyond managing his health to confronting steep medical costs. Dialysis and surgery expenses were overwhelming, but the aid provided by the Malasakit Center lifted much of the burden.

“Kaya ‘yun, maraming salamat po kasi nakapag-operation po ako… pati sa mga panggamot at injection po. So palagay ko po kung walang Malasakit Center kagaya kay Sen. Bong Go, lalong mahirapan ang mga may sakit,” he explained.

For patients like de Castro, the assistance provided is more than just financial relief—it is a way to focus on recovery without the constant weight of financial concerns. His gratitude is evident in his words about Senator Go.

“Para sa akin po, si Sen. Bong Go, isang pinakamagandang katangian na hinahanap ng bawat Pilipino. (Ang) Masasabi ko sa kanya ay grabing bait niya, sobrang masipag niya at matulungin sa kapwa. Hindi lang pansarili lang ang iniisip n’ya kundi pangkalahatan. Handang tumulong at magbuwis ng kaniyang oras para lang sa bayan.”

Senator Go, often referred to as a health reforms crusader, reiterated his commitment during a recent speech. “Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat. Dahil ako po’y naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao, serbisyo po yan sa Diyos,” he emphasized, highlighting his philosophy of service as both a public duty and a spiritual mission.

As de Castro welcomes 2025, he carries with him gratitude and renewed hope for the future. “Walang tutulong sa mga kagaya po namin sa mga nangailangan. Talagang napakalaking tulong na meron ng Malasakit sa pamamagitan ni Sen. Bong Go,” he said.

With millions of Filipinos served and countless others set to benefit, the Malasakit Centers remain a vital bridge for those in dire need of healthcare support.