Senator Bong Go reaffirmed his push for accessible healthcare at the grassroots level as he led the turnover of a Super Health Center in Barangay Banayal, Tulunan, Cotabato, emphasizing the role of frontline workers, local government cooperation, and sustained government support in strengthening primary care services.
Go was joined by Tulunan Mayor Lee Ventura Villasor and Vice Mayor Rhezan Obrique. He also acknowledged other local officials, including Governor Emmylou Taliño Mendoza, Vice Governor Rochella Marie Taray, and Congresswoman Maria Alana Samantha Taliño Santos, along with members of the Sangguniang Bayan, barangay leaders, and representatives from the Department of Health (DOH), the lead implementing agency of the Super Health Center initiative.
Central to the veteran legislator’s message was recognition of healthcare workers, whom he described as essential to the functioning of the country’s health system.
“Ang dapat nating pasalamatan ngayong araw na ito ang ating mga frontliners na walang kapagurang nagseserbisyo sa ating mga kababayan. Ang ating mga doctor, nurses, mga BHW, mga BNS. Palakpakan natin ang ating mga medical frontliners. Salamat sa inyong serbisyo,” the seasoned lawmaker said.
The senator reiterated that the Super Health Center initiative has long been among his priorities, tracing its origins to earlier efforts during the Duterte administration. He emphasized that while he continues to advocate for its expansion, the Department of Health (DOH) serves as the lead implementing agency responsible for operationalizing these facilities.
Go explained the intended function of these centers in easing the burden on hospitals while delivering frontline services directly to communities.
“Itong Super Health Center magagamit po ito sa mga munisipyo dahil maraming mga munisipyo ang walang hospital.”
“Itong Super Health Center matagal ko po itong isinusulong noon pa, noong panahon pa ni former President Duterte. Kaya lang po itong Super Health Center magagamit po ito sa mga munisipyo dahil maraming mga munisipyo ang walang hospital. Dito na ‘yung mga checkup, dito na ‘yung mga YAKAP program, Konsulta program ng Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth),” he said.
Go highlighted that Super Health Centers are meant to address gaps in healthcare access, particularly in municipalities without hospitals, by bringing consultations, diagnostic services, and early detection programs closer to communities.
He stressed that these facilities are part of a broader effort to decongest hospitals and ensure that essential services are available locally.
Go emphasized the importance of coordination between local government units (LGUs) and the Department of Health (DOH) to ensure the full functionality of the centers.
“Basta ang importante mag-complement ang LGU at ang DOH to make it operational. Kaya nakikiusap po akong muli sa DOH, unahin ninyong pondohan itong Super Health Center, ‘yung mga kulang nila, mga x-ray para hindi na kailangang bumiyahe ng hospital ang ating mga kababayan sa malalayong lugar,” he explained.
To illustrate the real-world impact of such facilities, Go recounted an experience in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.
“Pagdating ko may buntis nanganak. Bago pa ako dumating nanganak na the night before. Sabi nung kapitan at ng mayor, ‘Sir, pangalanan namin sa’yo itong bata dahil bago ka dumating ipinanganak siya.’ Pagtingin ko sa bata, babae ang bata. Sabi ko paano mo pangalanan sa akin e lalaki ako. Sabi niya, ‘Walang problema papangalanan namin ito ng Bongga.’ So true to life story po ‘yung buhay ko sa pagseserbisyo, nangyayari po sa totoong buhay,” he said.
Go highlighted his legislative efforts in support of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), including the filing of Senate Bill No. 412, or the Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers bill, which seeks to secure tenure, benefits, and compensation for barangay health workers, alongside his push for the release of their Health Emergency Allowance (HEA).
“Nag-file po ako ng Magna Carta for BHW. Kayo ang hero sa panahon ng pandemya. Init, ulan hinaharap n’yo ‘di ba? Ipinaglaban ko ang inyong HEA ha… Finally, nabayaran na ‘yung P27 billion noong 2024 at P6 billion noong 2025. Ipinaglaban po natin itong HEA dahil services rendered ‘yan, pinagpaguran po ng ating mga Barangay Health Workers,” he explained.
As Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Go reaffirmed his focus on healthcare programs, particularly those aimed at low-income Filipinos.
“Patuloy po akong magtatrabaho para sa Pilipino sa susunod na limang taon.”
“Patuloy po akong magtatrabaho para sa Pilipino sa susunod na limang taon. Patuloy kong isusulong ang mga programang makakatulong sa mga mahihirap. Unahin po natin ‘yung mga kababayan nating mahihirap,” he said.
Go also cited key health initiatives he has supported, including the Malasakit Centers program, Super Health Centers, and Regional Specialty Centers, which aim to improve access to specialized and primary healthcare services nationwide.
Super Health Centers are designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early disease detection, particularly in underserved areas. Free consultations are facilitated through municipal health offices, LGUs, and PhilHealth through its Konsulta program, with the Department of Health (DOH) leading implementation and coordination.
Through the combined efforts of Go, fellow lawmakers, the DOH under Secretary Ted Herbosa, and LGUs, funding has been secured for more than 700 Super Health Centers nationwide, including 13 in Cotabato.
