Senator Bong Go welcomed the turnover of the Super Health Center in Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte, saying the facility is part of the continuing effort to bring basic health services closer to communities and help residents seek medical attention before their conditions worsen.
“Importante po na mailapit natin ang serbisyong pangkalusugan sa tao mismo, para sa simpleng konsultasyon pa lang ay maagapan na ang sakit at hindi na lumala,” Go said.
“Kung may Super Health Center sa barangay o malapit sa inyo, mas madali po kayong makakapagpatingin at makakahingi ng payo mula sa mga health workers.”
“Kung may Super Health Center sa barangay o malapit sa inyo, mas madali po kayong makakapagpatingin at makakahingi ng payo mula sa mga health workers,” the veteran legislator added, emphasizing that early detection often prevents more serious and costly medical conditions.
The seasoned lawmaker’s Malasakit Team provided grocery packs to the barangay health workers in recognition of their hard work and service to the people.
The turnover of the Sibuco Super Health Center forms part of efforts to strengthen access to primary healthcare services in local communities, particularly in areas where residents may need nearer facilities for consultation, basic medical services, and early detection of common health concerns.
Super Health Centers are designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early detection, thereby further strengthening the country’s healthcare sector, particularly in grassroots communities. These facilities are envisioned to decongest major hospitals by handling common illnesses, basic diagnostics, and preventive services at the local level.
Free consultations would be handled by local health offices and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation through its Konsulta program, ensuring that enrolled members can access medical advice and basic services without additional cost.
The senator also urged the Department of Health and other relevant government agencies to make all Super Health Centers operational to complement the health services needed by local government units, especially in far-flung areas. There must be no white elephant projects to guarantee that these investments truly serve the Filipino people.
He said health facilities must not remain unused after construction or turnover, stressing that the real value of the project depends on whether residents can actually benefit from the services available in their area.
“Sayang po kung may pasilidad na malapit sa inyo pero hindi nagagamit.”
“Sayang po kung may pasilidad na malapit sa inyo pero hindi nagagamit. Para po talaga ito sa inyo at sa inyong pamilya,” Go stressed.
As Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, he has consistently pushed for measures that improve access to medical services, especially for poor and underserved communities. Go said Super Health Centers are intended to help local health systems respond earlier to the needs of residents and reduce the burden on larger hospitals.
He also recognized the role of local officials, health workers, and concerned agencies in ensuring that the Sibuco Super Health Center will be properly maintained, staffed, and made accessible to residents who need primary healthcare services.
