A 63-year-old cancer survivor from Cainta, Rizal, found renewed hope through the Malasakit Centers, a government initiative that has provided life-saving medical support to Filipinos in need. Leng Cruz's journey of survival highlights the power of community, faith, and accessible healthcare.

Leng Cruz, diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer, never imagined that her survival would be made possible by an unexpected source of support: the Malasakit Centers. These healthcare hubs, launched by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, are designed to streamline government assistance for medical expenses, ensuring no Filipino has to choose between life-saving treatment and financial ruin.

Facing the steep costs of chemotherapy, Leng was introduced to the program by Cainta’s former mayor, Keith Nieto. "Mapalad po ako na isa ako sa natulungan ng aming mahal na mayor ng Cainta, si Mayor Keith Nieto, dahil po sa Malasakit (Center) program ni Senator Bong Go," Leng said. "Doon po nagsimula ang aking journey na hanggang ngayon ay hindi ko po talaga makakalimutan dahil sa tulong po ni Senator Bong Go. "Mapalad po ako na isa ako sa natulungan ng aming mahal na mayor ng Cainta, si Mayor Keith Nieto, dahil po sa Malasakit (Center) program ni Senator Bong Go," Leng explained. "Doon po nagsimula ang aking journey na hanggang ngayon ay hindi ko po talaga makakalimutan dahil sa tulong po ni Senator Bong Go."

The Malasakit Centers consolidate resources from several government agencies, including the Department of Health (DOH), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). This integration of services has been life-changing for Leng, who, at the time, was unsure how she would afford her treatment. “From that time na ako nagki-chemotherapy po, talaga po ang Malasakit po talaga ay nasa aking likod. Unang-una sa Panginoong Diyos, Senator Bong Go,” she shared.

Now, Leng speaks with renewed strength, grateful for the second chance she’s been given. “Ito po ako, nagpapatuloy po ako na dahil po sa tulong niyo, nakikita po niyo ako ngayon. Nakakapagsalita po ako ngayon sa inyong harapan,” she said, her voice filled with gratitude.

As of today, the Malasakit Centers program operates 166 centers across the country, helping millions of Filipinos with their medical expenses. Senator Go, who authored the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, believes in the importance of making healthcare accessible to all. "Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede po natin gawin sa ating kapwa, gawin na po natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito. ‘Yan po ang totoo,” he said.

For Leng, the Malasakit Centers have not only transformed her life but have also given a voice to others facing similar battles. "Hindi lang po ako nagsasalita para sa aking sarili. Ako po’y nagsasalita sa lahat po ng may mga sakit, katulad ko po na may cancer, sa mga nagda-dialysis at mga lumalaban po at dumadaan sa mabigat na pagsubok,” she said.

"Buong buhay ko pong tatanawin na utang na loob ito, senator,” she concluded, her gratitude for the program and its impact on her life clear in her words.

As Leng continues her battle with cancer, her story illuminates a larger narrative—that of an initiative making tangible differences in the lives of Filipinos. The Malasakit Centers are a reflection of the collective effort to ensure that no one is left behind in the fight for health and survival.