In the province of Bohol, the impact of Senator Christopher "Bong" Go's Malasakit Center initiative is profoundly felt among those struggling with medical challenges.
Roselyn Vente, a 33-year-old mother from Tagbilaran City, shared her emotional ordeal as she fought for her daughter's life.
Her two-year-old, Margaret Vente, was diagnosed with a ventricular septal defect, a severe heart condition that threatened to overshadow their lives with despair.
"Sobrang hirap po bilang ina po, mga pangangailangan po ng mga anak natin hindi po natin maibigay kasi sa daming gastusin," Roselyn revealed, highlighting the financial strain and emotional toll of her daughter's illness.
The Malasakit Centers program, a brainchild of Go, proved to be a crucial support for Roselyn and her daughter. This program brings together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. These one-stop shops aim to support impoverished patients in covering their hospital costs to reduce to the least possible amount.
Go is the principal author and sponsor of the Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program.
Baby Margaret underwent her life-saving operations at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City, made possible through the aid provided by the Malasakit Center. Bohol Vice Governor Dionisio Balite endorsed the case of Roselyn and Baby Margaret, ensuring they received the crucial support needed for the child's surgeries.
"Malaking pasasalamat ko po kay Senator Bong Go dahil po sa Malasakit Center. Siguro kung wala po 'yung Malasakit Center, hindi namin alam paano na mangyari kasi sobrang laki po talagang 'yung kailangan para gamutin si baby," Roselyn gratefully acknowledged
"Ngayong na-operahan na po 'yung baby ko po, na successful operation po, tuwang-tuwa po ako. Hindi ko ma-explain 'yung saya ko po. Kumbaga, kasi 'yung hindi pa siya na-ooperahan, araw-araw ako hindi nakakatulog. Senator Bong Go, maraming, maraming salamat po," she added.
Emmanuel, Margaret's father, also thanked local government officials and community leaders for the support they have received.
"Nagpapasalamat po ako ng malaki kay Senator Bong Go po, na natulungan kami lalo na sa kanyang Malasakit (Center program) po. Tsaka kay Vice Governor Balite, Governor Aris Aumentado, at sa mga First at Second Districts (representatives) ng Bohol po," he said.
"Tsaka sa Gift of Life ng Bohol po at sa Rotary Club ng Bohol. Nagpapasalamat talaga ako… Maraming salamat talaga, Senator Bong Go," he added.
Roselyn's story is not unique. Many families across the Philippines face similar challenges, battling illness and financial constraints. The Malasakit Centers program has become a vital resource for these families.
As of now, 159 Malasakit Centers are operational across the country, poised to assist with patients' medical expenses. The DOH reports that the Malasakit Centers program has already provided aid to around ten million Filipinos.
Go said that his vision for the Malasakit Centers extends beyond providing financial aid as he also seeks to nurture a sense of community and solidarity in times of crisis.
"Lapitan n'yo lang po ang Malasakit Center. Para po 'yan sa Pilipino," Go stated, emphasizing the center's role in serving the Filipino people with dignity and compassion.
As more Filipino families turn to Malasakit Centers for support, the stories of hope and recovery continue to grow. Go's initiative stands as a testament to the power of collective action and empathy in addressing the healthcare needs of the Filipino people.