SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, commended the local government of Banga, South Cotabato, and the Department of Health (DOH) for the successful launch and turnover of the town’s Super Health Center on Tuesday, April 23.
In his video message, Go expressed his confidence that the said health facility would be able to provide accessible healthcare services to the residents of Banga and neighboring communities.
“Patuloy po akong tutulong sa pagpaparami ng Super Health Centers sa bansa sa abot po ng aking makakaya. Sa mga itinayo ng Super Health Centers, nakita namin kung gaano kalaki ang naitutulong nito sa komunidad lalo na sa rural areas,” said Go.
He said that Super Health Centers are designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early detection, further strengthening the country’s healthcare sector, especially in grassroots communities.
Free consultations would be handled by municipal health offices, local government units, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation through its Konsulta program.
Through the concerted efforts of Go, fellow lawmakers, the DOH, led by Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, and local government units, adequate funding was allocated for establishing more than 700 Super Health Centers nationwide. In the province, a total of 15 Super Health Centers are funded.
The senator also encouraged residents to visit South Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Koronadal City and Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital in General Santos City, where Malasakit Centers are ready to assist with their medical expenses.
“Sa mga pasyente, lapitan niyo lang ang Malasakit Center dahil para ‘to sa inyo. Kung may hospital bill kayo, nandiyan ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno na tutulong para mabayaran ito,” said Go.
According to the DOH, 163 operational centers nationwide have benefitted more than ten million underprivileged patients. 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.
During the activity, Go’s Malasakit Team distributed balls for basketball and volleyball and shirts to indigent attendees.
He also commended Mayor Evangeline Palencia and Vice Mayor Gemma Lloren for their service to their constituents.
“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” underscored Go who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.
