Gina Inojales, a 43-year-old mother from Quezon City, remembers the day her life took an unexpected turn. Persistent vomiting and difficulty swallowing her saliva led to a diagnosis that would change her life: her kidney function had significantly deteriorated, and dialysis was no longer optional.

Navigating the Philippine healthcare system proved to be a daunting journey for Gina. Although she was covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), she quickly discovered that it didn’t cover all her medical expenses.

“‘Yung PhilHealth namin nu’n, hindi po guaranteed na kumpleto. Magbabayad pa po talaga... Kumpara nung may Malasakit (Center), ma-kumpleto na ‘yung mga kailangan namin,” Gina explained.

Her family, with limited resources and her husband struggling to find stable work, faced mounting costs for X-rays and other necessary treatments that seemed impossible to afford.

The turning point came when Gina discovered the assistance provided by Malasakit Centers. A key initiative championed by Senator Bong Go, Malasakit Centers provide Filipinos access to financial aid for healthcare costs, significantly alleviating the burden of medical expenses.

These one-stop shops, established under Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, aim to support impoverished patients by reducing hospital costs to the minimum. Authored and sponsored by Senator Go, the law institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program, ensuring its sustainability for the Filipino people.

Currently, 166 Malasakit Centers operate nationwide, offering assistance to patients in need. According to the Department of Health (DOH), the program has already helped more than 15 million Filipinos since its inception.

“Masasabi ko talaga kay Senator Bong Go, sana ipatuloy talaga n’ya ‘yung pagtulong n’ya sa amin. Napakalaking bagay ‘yung nakukuha ko sa kanya. Magaling na senador talaga,” Gina shared, her gratitude evident despite the hardships she endured.

Gina’s story is one of millions, yet it highlights the profound impact of the Malasakit Centers program. From her initial struggles to the relief she experienced, the centers provided a lifeline during her family’s most difficult times.

“Senator Bong Go, thank you very much sa naibigay mo sa aking tulong. Napakalaki po. Salamat po sa pusong may malasakit sa amin,” she expressed.

Senator Go, a staunch advocate of accessible healthcare reforms, frequently reiterates his deep commitment to serving those in need. Through the Malasakit Centers program, the government fulfills its promise to provide care and support to citizens during their most vulnerable moments.

“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” Senator Go emphasized. Known as Mr. Malasakit, he continues to champion compassionate service for Filipinos facing illness, poverty, and uncertainty.