A breast cancer diagnosis in 2024 confronted Arlene Balante with a fear familiar to many Filipino patients: the enormous cost of treatment.

Balante, a midwife who has served the municipality of Magpet, North Cotabato for 35 years, was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer and subsequently underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment at the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City.

Flagship endeavor

Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the program.

Balante expressed gratitude to Go for pursuing healthcare programs that benefit patients who may otherwise struggle to shoulder the cost of treatment.

Balante also appealed for the continued protection of healthcare assistance intended for poor and sick Filipinos.

Go reiterated that public service and compassion remain central to his work.

“I will truly serve. Hard work, service and compassion are what I can offer you.”