During a motorcade in Navotas City on Wednesday, April 9, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go was approached by a woman and her daughter who expressed their deep gratitude for the medical aid they received through the Malasakit Centers program. The encounter underscored the real-world impact of the initiative, which Senator Go has long championed to bring healthcare closer to Filipinos in need.
The woman, together with her daughter Junee Lei Cunanan, showed their appreciation and spoke candidly about how the Malasakit Center made a life-saving difference for their family.
“Appreciation gift po, maraming salamat po. Kasi kayo po ‘yung naging way para po makatulong po sa aming lahat… Maliit na bagay lang po ‘yan para po sa inyo,” said Cunanan, overwhelmed with emotion while handing a token to Senator Go.
She emphasized that it was Senator Go’s advocacy and persistence that allowed them access to critical support.
“Maraming salamat po kay Sen. Bong Go. S’ya po ‘yung naging way para po makatulong po sa aming mga tao na talagang nangangailangan… Maraming maraming salamat po.”
Senator Go, known as Mr. Malasakit and principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, humbly declined personal praise and instead affirmed that the program simply affirmed the people’s right to healthcare—not a gift from any politician.
“Sa Pilipino naman po ‘yang mga Malasakit (Center). Karapatan n’yo po ‘yan, pera n’yo po ‘yan. ‘Wag kayo magpasalamat sa akin, ako po ang magpapasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan ninyo ako ng oportunidad na makapagserbisyo sa inyo,” he told them, reiterating that government funds should serve the people directly, especially in times of medical need.
Malasakit Centers are designed as one-stop shops to help indigent Filipinos reduce hospital expenses by pooling together assistance from various government agencies. As of now, 167 Malasakit Centers are operational nationwide. According to the Department of Health (DOH), the program has already assisted more than 17 million Filipinos with their medical needs.
“Tuluy-tuloy lang ang pagmamalasakit at pagseserbisyo sa abot ng aking makakaya. Bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” said Senator Go, reaffirming his commitment to helping those who need it most.
The emotional exchange in Navotas City was more than a spontaneous gesture of thanks; it was a testament to how legislation, when grounded in genuine compassion, can translate into tangible, even life-saving, aid for ordinary Filipinos.
