IN Antipolo City, a senior citizen’s life was significantly transformed by the Malasakit Center, an initiative spearheaded by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go. Myrna Liza Aboguin’s story is a testament to these centers’ profound impact on Filipinos facing health and financial challenges.
Faced with the dual challenges of hypertension and a troubling mass in her right breast, Myrna, 60, encountered the kind of adversity that tests one’s resolve. Initially dismissing the gravity of her symptoms, her condition gradually became a source of concern. The discomfort transformed into pain, compelling her to seek medical attention.
“Nagpa-check up po ako dahil nararamdaman ko na po na medyo sumasakit na po… So, kala ko, wala lang kasi ito eh, hindi ko iniinda,” she explained, highlighting a common apprehension towards health issues.
The turning point came when the pain intensified, signaling that something was amiss. This realization pushed Myrna to not only acknowledge her condition but also to communicate her fears to her family openly.
“So, ito lately, mga January, sabi ko kailangan ko na magpa-check up. Inano ko, kinonfirm ko na sa mga anak ko na iba na ang pakiramdam ko,” Abugin shared.
Her hospital visit confirmed her fears, she was medically diagnosed with hypertension and a right breast mass. However, it also opened the door to the support she desperately needed. At this juncture, Myrna encountered the Malasakit Center at the Quirino Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City.
“Kaya nagpapasalamat po ako at meron tayong mga ganyan, mga Malasakit Center na tunay na nagmamalasakit,” she expressed.
At QMMC, Myrna hoped to convey her gratitude to Go, the proponent of the Malasakit Centers. “Sabi ko, makausap ko lang si Senator Bong Go… para alam niya, kasi kahit ba may alam o wala, mayaman, mahirap, dapat pantay-pantay tayo,” she stated.
Myrna’s experience underscores the transformative impact of the Malasakit Centers on the lives of the underprivileged in the country. Her story is a poignant reminder of the power of collective compassion and the importance of government initiatives that reach out to the marginalized.
“Bagay na bagay. Bagay sa inyo, Sir, Mr. Malasakit. Dahil sobra po kayong nagmamalasakit sa aming mahirap,” she praised.
As she reflects on her journey, her message is one of profound thanks and a plea for the continuation of such vital services.
“Huwag na huwag niyo po — parang awa niyo na po — huwag na huwag niyo pong tatanggalin ‘yan. Ang laki-laki ng tulong sa amin ‘yan,” she implored, her words a testament to the lifeline the Malasakit Centers represent for many Filipinos.
“Yung binigay ni Senator Bong Go ay napakalaking bagay sa aming mahihirap. ‘Yung pangalan na nilagay niyang Malasakit Center is talagang totoo ‘yan, hindi lang ‘yan drawing,” she added.
Myrna’s story is not just a personal account of medical hardship and relief but a source of inspiration for many facing similar struggles. Her story illuminates the critical role of healthcare accessibility and the undeniable impact of empathy in healing and support.
Through the Malasakit Centers, stories like Myrna’s become testaments to the enduring power of care and the unassailable spirit of community in the face of adversity.
Malasakit Centers bring together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. 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.
Currently, 161 Malasakit Centers are operational nationwide, poised to assist with patients’ medical expenses. The DOH reports that the Malasakit Center program has aided over ten million Filipinos.
Go’s response to such stories of transformation underlines a commitment to continuous support and resource allocation for people in need.
“Sa ating mga hospital staff, gamitin niyo po sa mga mahirap ‘yung pondo. Tulungan natin sila. Pera naman po ng taumbayan yan, ibalik natin sila sa pamamagitan ng maayos na serbisyo lalo na pagdating sa kalusugan. Tandaan natin na ang kalusugan ay katumbas ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” Go remarked, reinforcing his dedication to health equity and support for the underprivileged.
“Bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo. Kaya tutulong ako sa abot ng aking makakaya lalo na sa mga mahihirap nating kababayan,” he added.
