DURING a three-day initiative by his Malasakit Team in Cagayan province from April 25 to 27, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, through a video message, emphasized the need for a more robust healthcare system especially in grassroots communities.
Highlighting the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, Go stressed that the government must always be proactive and enhance its healthcare strategies, saying, “One-step ahead dapat tayo para hindi tayo mabigla kung merong darating na mga future public health emergencies.”
As part of his legislative efforts, Senator Go has renewed his call for the passage of his twin bills aimed at bolstering the country’s health sector. These proposed laws include the establishment of the Philippine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines (VIP). These proposed institutions are intended to fortify the country’s capabilities in disease control and virological research, respectively.
Senate Bill No. 195, if passed, would create the CDC as the primary authority on communicable disease control and prevention in the country. The CDC would be tasked with developing initiatives to manage and contain infectious diseases nationwide.
Additionally, SBN196 seeks to establish the VIP, which would act as the central hub for virology research and coordination among the country’s virology laboratories. This move aims to enhance the country’s readiness and response to viral diseases through advanced research and improved laboratory capabilities.
Furthermore, Go cited that 11 Super Health Centers were funded in Cagayan province to help bring primary care, medical consultations, and early disease detection closer to their communities.
Super Health Centers offer health services, including database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine, where remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will be done.
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.
“Kaya naman bilang inyong Senate Committee Chair ng Health, nananawagan po ako na ipagpatuloy lang natin ang pagbibigay ng mas maayos na healthcare access sa ating mga kababayan, lalung-lalo na po sa mahihirap sa malalayong lugar,” he underscored.
During their visit to one of the northernmost areas in the country, the Malasakit Team of Senator Go provided assistance, such as snacks and shirts for a total of 1,633 disadvantaged residents from Claveria, Sta. Praxedes, and Sta. Ana. There were also select recipients of shoes, a mobile phone, and balls for basketball and volleyball.
In coordination with Claveria Mayor Lucille Angelus Guillen Yapo, Sta. Praxedes Mayor Esterlina Aguinaldo and Sta. Ana Vice Mayor Catherine Ladrido, the beneficiaries received financial assistance from the government. The relief activities were held at the respective municipal halls.
Still in line with his health advocacy, Go encouraged the residents to prioritize their health and if needed, they may avail of medical assistabce from the nearest Malasakit Center located at Cagayan Valley Medical Center (CVMC) in Tuguegarao City.
A brainchild of Go, the Malasakit Center program was first launched in 2018 and was institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, which the senator principally sponsored and authored.
The program centralizes various agencies to offer poor and indigent patients streamlined access to government medical assistance programs. As of now, there are 163 Malasakit Centers in operation, which have collectively aided more than ten million Filipinos, as reported by the Department of Health.
“Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, anumang pagsubok ang ating haharapin sa susunod na mga araw, patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” Go concluded.
