A tricycle driver in Boracay received medical assistance from the Malasakit Center after a health emergency left him unable to work, putting his family under financial strain.

Victor Clemente, who has been ferrying passengers across the island for years, was forced to stop working due to an illness. With mounting hospital bills and no income, his wife sought assistance from the Malasakit Center at East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City.

“Noong time po na lalabas na ako sa hospital, ‘yung asawa ko po ang naglakad ng bill at lumapit po s’ya sa Malasakit Center,” Clemente said. “Noong time na ‘yun… malaki pong tulong dahil ‘yun sa bill po namin, halos wala na kaming binayaran.”

The Malasakit Centers program, established through Republic Act No. 11463 and spearheaded by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, aims to provide streamlined medical assistance for Filipinos. Currently, 167 Malasakit Centers operate nationwide, having served over 17 million patients, according to the Department of Health.

Aside from his personal health struggles, Clemente was among those affected by the temporary closure of Boracay in 2018 for environmental rehabilitation.

“Noong time na nag-closure po ito, nalungkot kami dahil sa ilang buwan kami walang hanapbuhay,” he said.

The six-month rehabilitation, initiated under former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, led to significant improvements on the island, including better drainage, new roads, and enhanced accessibility.

“May mga lugar po kami dating hindi namin napupuntahan. Sa ngayon po may access road na po kami para mapuntahan ‘yon,” he added.

With Boracay’s tourism industry recovering, Clemente has resumed his livelihood. He expressed gratitude for the assistance he received and hopes that the Malasakit Center program continues to support Filipinos in need.

“Sana mapagpatuloy pa ‘yung Malasakit Center. Maraming, maraming salamat sa inyo, (former) president (Rodrigo) Duterte, at lalo na sa inyo, Senator Bong Go,” he said.

Senator Go reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that all Filipinos, particularly those in remote areas, have access to medical assistance.

“Alam kong mahirap magkasakit, lalo na sa mga probinsya kung saan malayo ang ospital at mahal ang pagpapagamot. Kaya nang isulong natin ang Malasakit Centers, ang hangad lang natin ay mapagaan ang pasanin ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” Go said.