AS Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go joined the turnover of the Super Health Center in Barangay Lun Padidu, Malapatan, Sarangani Province on Sunday, February 23. The event reinforced his commitment to improving healthcare accessibility, particularly in grassroots communities.
Addressing local officials and residents during his visit, Senator Go emphasized the importance of bringing essential medical services closer to Filipinos, especially those in remote areas.
“Alam kong hindi madaling magkasakit, lalo na kung malayo ang ospital at kapos sa pera. Kaya sinisikap nating ilapit ang serbisyong medikal sa inyo. Ang Super Health Centers ay para sa inyo—mas malapit, mas abot-kaya, at mas maaasahan,” said Senator Go.
He explained that these facilities serve as a bridge between rural health units and hospitals, ensuring that Filipinos receive timely medical attention without having to travel long distances. This initiative forms part of his health reforms crusade to extend medical services throughout the country.
The Malapatan Super Health Center is one of six Super Health Centers to be built in Sarangani Province through the collaboration of Go, fellow lawmakers, DOH, and local government units. Collectively, there are already over 700 Super Health Centers funded nationwide.
These facilities focus on primary care, consultation services, and early disease detection, reducing the strain on larger hospitals. Municipal health offices, local government units, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) through its Konsulta program will provide free consultations at these centers.
“Patuloy po akong tutulong sa pagpaparami ng Super Health Centers sa bansa sa abot po ng aking makakaya,” Senator Go stated.
Senator Go also recognized the efforts of Malapatan Mayor Salway Sumbo Jr., Vice Mayor Jean Delos Santos, and the municipal council members, along with national and local health officials for their support in making these projects possible.
Senator Go reminded residents that they could also seek medical-related financial aid from Malasakit Centers in SOCCSKSARGEN, including those at Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital in Isulan, Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital in General Santos City, South Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Koronadal City, Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Kidapawan City, and SOCCSKSARGEN General Hospital in Surallah.
Malasakit Centers are designed as one-stop shops to assist impoverished patients in reducing their hospital expenses, ensuring that those in need receive adequate healthcare without financial burden.
Senator Go, as the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, institutionalized the program, which now operates 167 Malasakit Centers nationwide, benefiting over 17 million Filipinos.
“Sa dami ng gastusin ngayon, hindi dapat problemahin ng isang pasyente kung paano babayaran ang pang-ospital. Tandaan natin na ang kalusugan ay katumbas ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” Senator Go stressed.
Beyond healthcare, Senator Go has also backed several infrastructure projects in Malapatan, such as the construction of a water system in Barangay Patag, road concreting between Barangay Khan and Upper Suyan, the improvement of Lunpadidu–Daansuyan–Upper Suyan Provincial Road, and road construction from Sitio Aspang to Sitio Klobak in Barangay Poblacion.
As the event concluded, Senator Go reaffirmed his commitment to public service, stating, “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,” underscoring his dedication to compassionate service for Filipinos in need.
Later that day, Senator Go was invited to the grand opening of the Kalilangan Festival in General Santos City.
