Press Release - Transforming despair into hope: Bong Go's Malasakit Center initiative provides aid to a struggling Cavite family

Raul Dorado's experience, at 59 years old and formerly employed as a utility worker in Dasmariñas, Cavite, powerfully reflects the core and compassion of the Malasakit Center, an initiative earlier spearheaded by Senator Christopher "Bong" Go. His story is a powerful example of how the program meaningfully assists Filipinos with health-related difficulties while giving them hope of a healthier future.

Raul began experiencing severe abdominal pain in 2016, a condition that progressively worsened.

"Nagsimula po itong naramdaman ko noong 2016. Tapos po, hindi ko na matiis... Pina-check up ko," Raul shared.

After a series of medical consultations revealed a significant health issue, Raul faced a daunting journey of treatments and hospital visits.

"Meron pong ibang tama sa ano ko, tapos may bukol pa raw po sa bituka... Niresetahan kami ng gamot, pero wala ring lunas. Dumating na nga po sa pagkakataon na sumakit na ng sumakit. Hindi ko na matiis. Ayun, nagpadala na ako sa hospital," he shared.

The financial and emotional burden of Raul's condition weighed heavily on his family. His wife recounted their struggles, "Nagpupumilit pa rin siyang mag-trabaho kasi siyempre naaawa siya sa mga anak niya. Pero nung talaga hindi niya na kaya, tumigil na talaga siya. Kasi hindi na siya makalakad, nakahiga na lang siya eh."

Their plight worsened when hospitals hesitated to release him due to unpaid bills.

"Ayaw pa nga po kami palabasin kasi daw hindi raw pwede na lalabas na hindi raw bayad. Eh, sabi ng doktor, hindi n'yo palalabasin yan. Mamamatay na 'yan kapag hindi pa na-operahan," she said, highlighting the dire situation many Filipinos face in accessing healthcare.

Their turning point came with the Malasakit Center at the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center in Manila City.

"Siguro kung sa akin nangyari yun na gano'n... tapos walang Malasakit (Center)... Kasi wala naman talaga akong ano, eh... pero talagang mabait ang Panginoon sa amin," Raul's wife explained.

The Malasakit Center program, known for bridging the gap between patients and medical care, provided them with the necessary assistance.

These centers, located in various hospitals nationwide, aim to reduce a patient's