IN Barangay Tatalon, Quezon City, a woman’s fight against cancer underscores the significant impact of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s Malasakit Center initiative.

Though her story remains untold, it reflects the shared experience of many facing the same difficult journey to recovery.

At 55 years old, Janet Garganta initially believed she was suffering from a minor ailment, possibly a urinary tract infection. However, her persistent abdominal pain worsened, and she was soon diagnosed with Stage 3 Endometrial Carcinoma in the ovary.

“Kala ko UTI lang e, masakit lang ‘yung tiyan ko. Sobrang sakit. ‘Yun pala, cancer na. Nung na-biopsy, Stage 3. Ganun po siya, kabilis nangyari,” Janet recalled.

The news was nothing short of devastating. She underwent surgery, the removal of her entire reproductive system, and chemotherapy, each session draining not only her strength but also her family’s financial resources.

For many, it is not just the diagnosis that carries a heavy weight. The financial burden that comes with fighting cancer often leaves families teetering on the brink of despair. As Janet shared, “Ang nakakamatay po ang gastusin.”

Janet was guided to seek assistance from the Malasakit Center at the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital in Manila, an initiative spearheaded by Go. Janet found herself at the doorstep of this lifeline during one of the most trying times of her life.

“Nung sa Fabella po, tinuruan po ako na lumapit sa Malasakit (Center),” she said, gratitude filling her voice.

Her chemotherapy was covered, easing a burden that would have otherwise been insurmountable. But her journey was far from over. After chemotherapy, Janet learned she would need radiation treatment—another financially taxing procedure.

Once again, the Malasakit Center was there to support her.

PET scans, radiation sessions, and consultations—all of them, expensive and essential to her treatment, were made possible through the help provided by Go’s initiative. “Napakalaking tulong ni Senator Bong Go dahil po, unang-una, hindi siya mahirap lapitan,” she said.

“Napakalaking tulong po niya, no? Katulad nung na-bagyo kami dito, meron kaagad siyang nakaanong tulong para sa mga nabahaan. Huwag lang po siya magbago,” she added.

Janet’s case is not unique. The Malasakit Center was designed precisely for individuals like her—ordinary Filipinos struggling with extraordinary medical expenses.

Malasakit Centers 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 DOH reports that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to more than 15 million Filipinos.

“Napakalaking tulong po sa akin ‘yun (Malasakit Center). Sana po marami pa kayo matulungan na katulad ko po… Tulungan niya lang po ang sambayang Pilipino. Sa akin po, siya lang talaga ‘yung maaasahan. Senator Bong Go, napakalaki po ng aking pasasalamat, ng pamilya ko po,” Janet shared, her voice filled with hope and thanks.

As Janet continues her journey toward recovery, her story stands as a testament to the lives touched by the Malasakit Centers, a quiet yet monumental effort to bridge the gap between illness and recovery.