SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go inspected a newly constructed activity center in Caraga, Davao Oriental, on Saturday, November 18, a project he supported as vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance.
During his visit, Go expressed the importance of such communal spaces that serve as hubs for various local activities in rural areas.
“Ang activity center na ito ay magsisilbing venue para sa iba’t ibang activities na makakatulong sa pag-unlad ng komunidad dito sa Caraga,” he said.
“Napakahalaga na magkaroon ng lugar na ganito para sa sports, education, health, at iba pang public services, lalo na sa mga malalayong lugar,” he added.
The activity center in Caraga is designed to serve as a multipurpose venue for various community activities, such as sports events, educational workshops, health seminars, and social gatherings. Its establishment is seen as a significant step in improving the quality of life for the residents of Caraga, providing them with a dedicated space for communal activities.
Go also noted the potential of the activity center to strengthen community bonds.
“Sa pamamagitan ng mga ganitong pasilidad, mas napapalapit ang gobyerno sa mga tao. Nagiging tulay ito para sa mas epektibong serbisyo at mas bukas na komunikasyon sa pagitan ng mga mamamayan at ng pamahalaan,” he stated.
Meanwhile, he also highlighted his other initiatives, such as the continued operations of Malasakit Centers, establishment of more Super Health Centers, and the implementation of the Regional Specialty Centers Act.
A brainchild of Go, the Malasakit Center was institutionalized under Republic Act 11463, which he principally authored and sponsored to provide convenient access to medical assistance programs of the government. There are currently 159 operational centers and, according to the Department of Health (DOH), these centers have helped more than 10 million indigent Filipinos nationwide.
Go encouraged individuals with health concerns to visit Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center in Mati City for assistance with their medical-related expenses.
He also brought attention to RA 11959 or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, for which he served as a principal sponsor and one of the authors in the Senate. The Regional Specialty Centers Act assumes an important role in the healthcare legislative priorities of the Marcos Administration, as outlined in the Philippine Development Plan for the years 2023 to 2028. This law shall create Regional Specialty Centers within pre-existing regional hospitals under the jurisdiction of DOH.
“Priority rin ito ni President Bongbong Marcos. It’s a five-year, multiyear plan ng government establishing Specialty Center sa DOH regional hospitals katulad ng heart center, kidney, neonatal, mental, ortho. Itatayo na sa mga existing DOH regional hospitals,” explained Go.
“Proud akong ibalita sa inyo na nakakuha ako ng 24-0 na boto sa Senado. Ako ang principal sponsor, walang kumontra dahil alam nilang makakatulong ito sa mga mahihirap nating mga kababayan. Ako, uunahin ko talaga ang mga mahihirap. Iyan talaga ang aking priority, mga pro poor programs na makakatulong sa mga kababayan natin na walang matatakbuhan kundi ang gobyerno,” said Go.
Go also reiterated his commitment to support the establishment of more Super Health Centers across the country, considering how they can significantly help reduce hospital occupancy rates while bringing government medical services closer to the grassroots.
Services offered in Super Health Centers include database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray and 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.
Aside from the activity center, Go also provided support to various projects in the province aimed at contributing to its progress. These initiatives include the rehabilitation of roads in several barangays, installation of solar LED lights along the National Road in Brgy. Bagumbayan, construction of potable water systems in Brgy. Bagumbayan, establishment of a flood mitigation structure along Sumlog River, and the construction of the IP Community Learning Center in Brgy. Don Mariano.
On the same day, Go also attended the groundbreaking for the Super Health Center in Caraga. He also attended a farmers’ forum and assisted 2,500 agricultural workers present.
The senator then visited Mati City where he inspected another Super Health Center and witnessed the turnover of motorboat engines to the local fisherfolks in Mati City.
