Amid prevailing financial hardships particularly among poor Filipinos, the pivotal role of Senator Christopher "Bong" Go's Malasakit Centers comes to fore through the compelling narrative of 23-year-old Wally Bernardo of Cavite.

A small baking business, which Wally runs with his partner, helps cover his dialysis expenses. His ordeal started in 2017 when a nagging backache unveiled an unsettling reality — a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease secondary to arthritis.

Initially misdiagnosed with high blood pressure, he soon found himself restricted to the regular hum of dialysis machines, a routine that escalated from three times a week to an excruciating 12 times a week, as his condition worsened.

As Wally's medical bills soared, he sought intervention from a Malasakit Center, which led to a much-needed relief for his dire financial situation.

Recounting the day his relatives approached the center, Wally said, After that we approached the social health service as I knew there was Malasakit here."

"My relatives went there and gave us our bill. It was processed at about noon. In the afternoon we were already discharged."

The indelible mark of gratitude is apparent in Wally's words, "Thank you to Senator Bong Go, to his staff. We are really grateful for his help, in giving us a guarantee letter, in assuring those who have not much finances."

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go persistently encouraged the public to avail themselves of the medical and financial assistance offered by the Malasakit Centers.

Malasakit Centers bring together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

These one-stop shops aim to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount.

The Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, or Republic Act 11463, principally authored and sponsored by Go, has so far facilitated the establishment of 159 operational Malasakit Centers across the country.

Meanwhile, Go's outreach team, together with Mayor Elmor Vita and Councilor Rey Comendador, conducted a relief operation at the municipal gymnasium in Nagcarlan, Laguna last Tuesday, 17 October.
Go provided masks, vitamins, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball for 450 market vendors. He also gave away shoes, and mobile phones to select recipients.