A Batangueño’s vision restored through the support of fellow Batangueño, Sen. Bong Go and Malasakit Center’s aid 

A Batangueño’s vision restored through the support of fellow Batangueño, Sen. Bong Go and Malasakit Center’s aid 

IAN Jay De Villa of Batangas regained his sight with help from the Malasakit Center and Sen. Bong Go, who provided financial assistance for his eye surgery.

For 31-year-old Ian Jay De Villa of Malvar, Batangas, life with diabetes was a slow descent into darkness—both literal and figurative. Diagnosed at just 11 years old, he spent two decades battling the illness.

When complications began affecting his eyesight, it felt like his world was shrinking.

“Dumating po ‘yung oras na talagang wala na po ako eh. Kumbaga, hindi na po talaga ako umaasang makakakita pa,” he shared, his voice heavy with emotion.

That changed when he learned about the Malasakit Center, an initiative spearheaded by health reforms crusader Senator Christopher “Bong” Go. A fellow Batangueño, Go’s push for accessible healthcare resonates deeply in communities like Ian Jay’s, where medical costs can feel insurmountable for families of limited means.

The Malasakit Center, a one-stop shop designed to streamline access to financial and medical assistance from the government, became Ian Jay’s last shot at reclaiming his vision. The center facilitated medical assistance for his eye surgery, a procedure he thought was far beyond his reach.

“Para po sa amin na katulad ko na kapos, ay malaking bagay po,” Ian Jay said. “Kung tutuusin po ay wala po akong sapat na kakayanan para makapagpa-opera po ng ganong kalaking halaga.” 

Malasakit Centers bring together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). These one-stop shops aim to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount.

Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program.

As of now, 166 Malasakit Centers are operational across the country, poised to assist with patients’ medical expenses. The Department of Health (DOH) reports that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to more than 15 million Filipinos.

Ian Jay’s case exemplifies the profound impact of this health reform crusade, especially in provinces where specialized healthcare often feels like a distant dream. The initiative is especially meaningful to Go, who himself traces his roots to Batangas being part of the Tesoro clan.

For Ian Jay, the Malasakit Center didn’t just restore his sight—it gave him a renewed sense of possibility. Reflecting on his experience, he couldn’t contain his gratitude.

“Senator Bong Go, nagpapasalamat po ako sa inyo. Dahil kung hindi po dahil sa inyo, sa tulong n’yo po, hindi po ako makapagpagamot po ng aking mata.” 

The Malasakit Center initiative is a cornerstone of Go’s broader legislative agenda, which emphasizes accessible healthcare for every Filipino.

“Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, anumang pagsubok ang ating haharapin sa susunod na mga araw, patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” Go said.

 

Follow SMNI NEWS in Twitter

Follow SMNI News on Rumble