MALASAKIT SA PASKO: A QUEZON CITY MOTHER’S JOURNEY TO A HAPPY, HEALTHY NEW YEAR THROUGH BONG GO’S SUPPORT AND MALASAKIT CENTERS’ AID

The Christmas season often brings moments of reflection and gratitude, and for Eleonor Timosa, a 42-year-old mother from Quezon City, this year’s Christmas is especially meaningful. Diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 5 (CKD5), Eleonor has endured eight years of dialysis—a difficult journey made more bearable by the assistance she found through the Malasakit Center initiative.

Yet despite the challenges, Eleonor retains her humor, a trait that shines even during conversations about her health. “Mahilig ako sa maalat eh. Hindi ko kilala ‘yung tubig dati. Mahilig ako doon sa soft drinks,” she quipped with a laugh, recounting habits she didn’t realize would one day contribute to her condition.

Her symptoms started subtly. “Nagtaka lang ako na nag-iba ‘yung balat ko. Parang nagdi-dilaw,” she recalled. Then, they escalated. “Nagmanas. Nung ginanyan ko ‘yung paa ko… iyak-iyak na ako.”

These moments of fear and uncertainty eventually led her to rely on regular dialysis and a new lifestyle she never anticipated. The financial strain of her condition was overwhelming, especially during the holiday season, when families hoped to celebrate without worries.

However, Eleonor found solace in the Malasakit Center program, a one-stop shop for medical assistance initiated by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go as part of his health reforms crusade.

For Eleonor, this initiative has become a lifeline. The financial aid she received allowed her to prioritize her health without sacrificing other essentials for her family, especially during this festive season of giving.

Eleonor’s regular treatments at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) in Quezon City are a constant reminder of her ongoing battle, but the Malasakit Center’s support has been invaluable.

This Christmas, Eleonor reflects not only on the assistance she has received but also on Senator Go’s approach to service.

“Nag-follow ako sa Facebook n’ya eh. May mga nasunugan, pinupuntahan n’ya,” she noted with admiration. Her gratitude is heartfelt: “Maraming salamat po sa pagbibigay n’yo ng tulong sa amin. Hindi lang sa akin, sa maraming mga katulad sa akin na nagkasakit din.”

“Sana patuloy n’yo lang po ‘yung pagtulong n’yo hanggang marami pa kayo matutulungan dito sa bawat Pilipino,” she adds.

Senator 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 nationwide, poised to assist with patients’ medical expenses. The Department of Health (DOH) reports that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to more than 15 million Filipinos.

For Senator Go, the Malasakit Center initiative embodies the essence of Christmas—helping those in need and spreading goodwill.

“Bakit natin pahihirapan ang Pilipino? Sa totoo lang po, pera n’yo ‘yan. Dapat po ibalik sa inyo sa mabilis na paraan,” he explained, reiterating the program’s purpose of bringing accessible and efficient medical assistance to all Filipinos.

For Eleonor and countless others, the Malasakit Center initiative is a reflection of the true spirit of Christmas—kindness, hope, and healing. As she ushers in the new year, her journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of accessible healthcare and the profound impact of Senator Go’s health reforms crusade.