NEW YEAR BRINGS RENEWED HOPE FOR A RIZAL SENIOR CITIZEN THROUGH BONG GO’S COMPASSIONATE SERVICE AND THE HELP OF MALASAKIT CENTERS

Linda Fernandez, a senior citizen from San Mateo, Rizal, embodies the resilience of Filipinos facing health challenges. Her journey of survival, hope, and gratitude is a testament to how Malasakit Centers—championed by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go in his health reforms crusade—continue to transform lives.

“Diabetes po ang sakit ko po,” Linda shared, recounting the difficulties of managing her diabetes and the frequent hospitalizations it entails. Her struggles culminated in a gallbladder operation that left her family facing a daunting hospital bill.

“Nung na-operahan po ako sa apdo, isang buwan po ako sa ICU, ang babayaran po namin, PHP 100,000,” she recalled. Desperate for a solution, her daughter sought assistance from the Malasakit Center. “Doon lang po lumapit ang anak ko sa Malasakit… Wala na po (kaming binayaran), sir.”

The relief provided by the Malasakit Center, which covered the entirety of her bill, was more than a financial reprieve. It allowed Linda to focus on her recovery without the weight of debt overshadowing her family’s future.

Malasakit Centers are one-stop shops aiming to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount. 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.

As of now, 166 Malasakit Centers are operational across the country, 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.

Linda’s health struggles were far from over. “Bawat galaw ko po, Malasakit po ang nilalapitan ng anak ko,” she shared, recounting how her daughter repeatedly turned to the program for help as she faced multiple hospitalizations each year.

The start of the new year brought an unexpected blessing for Linda. During a visit to San Mateo, Senator Go personally met with her and listened to her story. She recalled the encounter with tears of gratitude.

“Naiiyak po ako. Maligayang, maligaya po ako, sir. Kasi ang bait pala ni Senator. Hindi ko po siya makakalimutan,” she said, her voice filled with emotion.

The senator’s assurance of continued support left an indelible mark on Linda. “Sabi po niya, ano daw, tutulungan daw po niya ako. ‘Pag daw po may kailangan ako, lumapit lang daw po sa inyo. Malaking tulong po talaga sa amin ang Malasakit, sir. Hindi ko po makakalimutan si Senator Bong Go,” she added.

A recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) poll revealed that 47% of Filipinos rank good health as their greatest blessing this holiday season. This gratitude reflects the far-reaching impact of initiatives such as those advocated by Senator Go, including the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 and other health-related legislation aimed at easing the healthcare burdens of ordinary Filipinos.

For Linda, the new year is a time to reflect on the challenges she has overcome with the help of the Malasakit Centers and the hope they bring for a healthier future. “Kundi dahil po sa inyo at sa Malasakit, kaming mahihirap, hindi po makakaahon sa pagbabayad sa hospital naman,” she said, expressing a sentiment shared by millions of Filipinos.

As 2025 begins, stories like Linda’s showcase the vital role of Senator Go’s health reforms crusade in making healthcare accessible to underserved communities. Through the Malasakit Centers initiative, Senator Go has institutionalized a program that continues to provide crucial support, ensuring that no Filipino is left behind in the quest for affordable medical care.

“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,” Senator Go said.