SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go lauded the turnover of the newly established Super Health Center in Barangay Makilas, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay on Thursday, November 29, a significant step toward improving healthcare accessibility for the local community.
In a message, the senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health and Demography and a health reforms crusader, reiterated the primary objective of these Super Health Centers: to bring essential government health services closer to Filipinos, especially those in rural and underserved areas.
“Ilapit natin ang serbisyo ng gobyerno sa mga nangangailangan nito, lalo na pagdating sa kalusugan ng ating mga kababayan. Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, sikapin nating walang Pilipino ang maiiwan pagdating sa serbisyong pangkalusugan. Ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo rin sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” said Go, who is widely recognized for his advocacy in promoting accessible healthcare for all.
The senator highlighted the vital role these centers play in addressing the challenges of the healthcare system. By decongesting hospitals and bringing primary healthcare services closer to the grassroots, the centers enable early detection of diseases and provide basic medical consultations and diagnostic services.
“Ang mga Super Health Center na ito ay malaking tulong upang maiwasan ang siksikan sa mga ospital. Malaking bagay ang magbigay ng serbisyong medikal direkta sa komunidad. Huwag nating hintaying lumala ang karamdaman bago kumilos,” Go emphasized.
The Department of Health (DOH) assessed the need for these facilities, and through collaborative efforts with lawmakers, funds have been allocated for more than 700 Super Health Centers across the country.
Senator Go cited that Zamboanga Sibugay is set to benefit from eight Super Health Centers, including the one in Barangay Makilas, which will provide critical healthcare services to the municipality of Ipil and nearby areas.
Go expressed his gratitude to the local government officials of Ipil, led by Mayor Anamel Olegario and other leaders who worked tirelessly to bring this project to fruition. Their dedication to improving public health infrastructure was pivotal in ensuring the completion of the health center.
In addition, Go’s Malasakit Team distributed tokens to barangay health workers, including grocery packs, shirts, and vitamins, as a token of appreciation for their invaluable service to the community.
“Ang bagong Super Health Center sa Barangay Makilas ay simbolo ng ating pagkakaisa at malasakit para sa mas magandang kinabukasan. Magtulungan tayo para tiyaking maayos ang kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino,” Go remarked.
The senator also took the opportunity to promote the continued operations of Malasakit Centers, which provide convenient access to the government’s medical assistance programs.
Zamboanga Sibugay residents are encouraged to visit the Malasakit Center at the Dr. George T. Hofer Medical Center in Ipil for their medical needs.
As the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act, signed into law in 2019, Senator Go remains steadfast in his commitment to ensuring that no Filipino is left behind when it comes to healthcare. To date, 166 Malasakit Centers operate nationwide, aiding more than 15 million Filipinos, as reported by the DOH.
With initiatives like Super Health Centers and Malasakit Centers, Senator Bong Go continues to champion the cause of accessible, equitable, and quality healthcare for every Filipino.
