Woman finds hope in Malasakit Center during husband’s cancer battle

Maria Zabale, 55, recalls the quiet resilience of her late husband as he faced the relentless grip of stage 4 esophageal gastric cancer.

Originally from Tanauan City but working in Malvar, Batangas, Maria encountered what seemed like an insurmountable challenge.

Yet, amid her family’s darkest days, she found relief in an initiative that many Filipinos rely on: Senator Christopher “Bong” Go and his Malasakit Center program.

“We didn’t pay for anything until my husband passed away, even though I knew there was no cure... I am grateful that the pain was alleviated until his passing,” Maria shared in Filipino, her voice filled with both gratitude and sorrow as she reflected on her husband’s final days.

Their story, like so many others, showcases the impact of the health reforms spearheaded by Go, which continue to resonate across communities in the Philippines.

Maria’s husband was admitted to Batangas Medical Center in Batangas City at a time when their financial resources were nearly depleted.

For Maria, the Malasakit Center was more than just a place to seek financial aid — it became a lifeline for families struggling with both illness and poverty.

The program, which was institutionalized under Republic Act 11463, primarily authored and sponsored by Go, consolidates various government healthcare assistance mechanisms into a single, easily accessible hub.

Currently, 166 Malasakit Centers are operational nationwide, ready to help cover patients’ medical expenses.

The Department of Health (DoH) reports that the program has provided aid to over 15 million Filipinos.

“All of my husband’s medical expenses — from exams like X-rays, ultrasounds, and CT scans to hospital bills over P100,000 — were covered by the Malasakit Center,” Maria explained.

Even after her husband’s passing, Maria found comfort in the ongoing support of the Malasakit Center team and the personal outreach from Senator Go.

“Thank you also for your sympathy on this day, for coming to visit us here in Malvar,” she said, touched by the senator’s gesture.

Senator Go, often described as a tireless advocate for health reforms, has consistently emphasized the importance of easing the financial burden of healthcare for Filipinos.

Speaking in various forums, he highlights how the Malasakit Center bridges the gap between the medical needs of marginalized Filipinos and the resources they often cannot access.

“For me, it is a right of every Filipino to receive quality and affordable healthcare services. Poverty should never be a barrier to the hope of recovery or a better life,” Go said, a sentiment that has earned him the title “Mr. Malasakit” for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.

For Maria and countless others, the initiative symbolizes a healthcare campaign aimed at addressing systemic inequities, one patient at a time. As she continues her life journey, Maria carries with her the bittersweet memory of her husband’s struggle and the profound impact of the program.

The senator, an adopted son of the CALABARZON region with family roots in Batangas through his Tesoro side, emphasized his commitment to his compassionate approach to public service.

“We will continue to serve you because it is my passion to serve, and I believe that serving people is serving God, serving Allah,” Go concluded, reiterating his dedication to the cause of helping Filipinos in need.