Senator Bong Go, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, reiterated his unwavering commitment to bringing quality healthcare closer to the grassroots as his Malasakit Team participated in the 1st Anniversary of Super Health Center in Barangay Manat, Nabunturan, Davao de Oro.
“Aking paniniwala at adbokasiya ay ‘health is wealth.’ Naniniwala ako na ang kalusugan ay katumbas ng bawat buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” Go emphasized in a message during the event.
The Super Health Center is a medium-type polyclinic designed to offer accessible, comprehensive, and preventive healthcare services in underserved communities. Facilities include birthing units, diagnostic services such as laboratory tests, x-ray, and ultrasound, outpatient consultations, a pharmacy, isolation rooms, and minor surgical operations. It also offers ENT services, physical therapy and rehabilitation, oncology care, and telemedicine services to enable remote diagnostics and consultations.
“The initiative is a product of strong collaboration among the DOH, local government units, and members of Congress.”
The veteran legislator underscored that the initiative is a product of strong collaboration among the Department of Health (DOH), under the leadership of Secretary Teddy Herbosa, local government units, and members of Congress. To date, over 700 Super Health Centers have been funded nationwide.
In support of frontline workers, the seasoned lawmaker’s Malasakit Team distributed food packs, fans, caps, pens, shirts, basketballs, and volleyballs to 50 barangay health workers as tokens of appreciation for their dedication and service.
The senator also acknowledged the support and leadership of key officials, including Mayor Myrocel Clarin-Balili, Vice Mayor Cyrian Reterba, Barangay Captain Betty dela Cruz, and Dr. Kristina Mae Soriano, Municipal Health Officer of Nabunturan.
The Super Health Center initiative complements Go’s broader advocacy for a more inclusive and responsive healthcare system.
Furthermore, as the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, he institutionalized one-stop shops in all DOH-run hospitals and the Philippine General Hospital. These centers aim to streamline access to various government medical and financial assistance programs.
“Today, 167 Malasakit Centers operate across the country, having helped more than 17 million Filipinos.”
Today, 167 Malasakit Centers operate across the country, having helped more than 17 million Filipinos, according to the DOH. Four Davao de Oro Provincial Hospitals are located at Montevista, Maragusan, Laak, and Pantukan.
Additionally, Go is the principal sponsor and one of the authors of RA 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of specialty care units such as cardiology, nephrology, and oncology in DOH regional hospitals. This law seeks to reduce the burden on patients who previously had to travel long distances to access advanced healthcare services.
“Asahan niyo po na bukas parati ang aking opisina. In my own capacity, gagawin ko po ang lahat ng kaya kong gawin. Tawagin niyo lang po akong Kuya Bong Go,” he concluded, reinforcing his commitment to serve the Filipino people with compassion and urgency.
