Senator Bong Go, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to providing accessible healthcare for all Filipinos during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Super Health Center in Diffun, Quirino.
His Malasakit Team was present at the event, which coincided with the town’s celebration of its 75th Araw ng Diffun and Pammadayaw Festival.
The Super Health Center is a medium-type polyclinic designed to bring essential health services closer to underserved communities.
Once operational, it will offer a wide range of services including outpatient consultations, birthing facilities, laboratory services, x-ray, ultrasound, minor surgical procedures, pharmacy access, and isolation rooms. It will also feature specialized services such as ENT care, physical therapy and rehabilitation, oncology support, and telemedicine for remote diagnostics.
“Isa itong mahalagang hakbang upang mas mailapit natin ang serbisyong medikal sa mga mamamayang higit na nangangailangan.”
“Isa itong mahalagang hakbang upang mas mailapit natin ang serbisyong medikal sa mga mamamayang higit na nangangailangan. Bilang Chairman ng Senate Committee on Health, buong puso po akong sumusuporta sa pagtatayo ng mga Super Health Center sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng bansa upang matiyak na may access ang bawat Pilipino,” Go said in a video message.
The veteran legislator highlighted that the construction of Super Health Centers resulted from the collaborative efforts between the Department of Health (DOH) under Secretary Ted Herbosa, local government units, and his fellow lawmakers. Over 700 Super Health Centers have been funded across the country.
After the groundbreaking, the seasoned lawmaker’s Malasakit Team joined local officials and residents in celebrating the 75th Founding Anniversary of Diffun and the Pammadayaw Festival.
“Ang pitumpu’t limang taon ng kasaysayan ng Diffun ay patunay ng inyong pagkakaisa, sipag, at dedikasyon tungo sa pag-unlad.”
“Happy 75th Araw ng Diffun at Pammadayaw Festival. Ang pitumpu’t limang taon ng kasaysayan ng Diffun ay patunay ng inyong pagkakaisa, sipag, at dedikasyon tungo sa pag-unlad,” the senator stressed.
He also praised the significance of the Pammadayaw Festival, which showcases the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the people of Quirino.
“Ito ay bunga ng sama-samang pagsusumikap ng mga pinuno at mamamayan upang mapabuti ang buhay ng bawat kababayan natin diyan sa Diffun,” Go said.
He then extended his appreciation to local leaders for their vital roles in both the health center project and the successful celebration of Diffun’s anniversary.
“Sa pamumuno ni Mayor May Garnace Calaunan, saludo po ako sa inyong lahat. Nawa’y maging makabuluhan ang inyong selebrasyon, puno ng saya, pagkakaisa, at inspirasyon para sa mga susunod pang henerasyon,” Go said.
Furthermore, aside from advocating for Super Health Centers, he is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized one-stop shops in all DOH-run hospitals and the Philippine General Hospital. These centers streamline access to medical and financial assistance and have served over 17 million Filipinos through 167 locations nationwide.
A Malasakit Center is located at the Quirino Province Medical Center in Cabarroguis.
Moreover, Go is also the principal sponsor and one of the authors of RA 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which mandates the creation of specialty units in regional hospitals. These centers offer advanced medical services in areas such as cardiology, nephrology, and oncology–reducing the need for patients to travel far from their provinces for specialized care.
“Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat dito sa Diffun. Asahan niyo po na bukas lagi ang aking opisina para sa inyo. Sa abot ng aking makakaya, gagawin ko po ang lahat upang makatulong. Tawagin niyo lang po akong Kuya Bong Go,” he concluded.
