On Saturday, January 25, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, was invited by the local government to lead the inauguration of a Super Health Center in Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro. This project that Go supported will be bringing much-needed healthcare services closer to grassroots communities and provide essential medical services, from primary care, consultations to early disease detection.
In his speech, Senator Go highlighted the importance of accessible healthcare for rural communities. “Alam ko po ang hirap kapag walang maayos na serbisyong pangkalusugan. Kaya naman ginagawa namin ang lahat ng makakaya para mailapit ang serbisyo sa mga tao, lalo na sa mga nasa liblib na lugar,” said Senator Go.
The event was also attended by health workers. Senator Go and his Malasakit Team distributed grocery packs, snacks, shirts, basketballs, and volleyballs to attendees as a gesture of appreciation for their continued support.
Super Health Centers are designed to provide primary care, consultations, and early detection services, playing a critical role in strengthening the country’s healthcare sector. With free consultations managed by municipal health offices, local government units, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) through its Konsulta program, these centers are expected to alleviate the burden on larger hospitals while ensuring quality healthcare at the community level.
“Patuloy po akong tutulong sa pagpaparami ng Super Health Centers sa bansa sa abot po ng aking makakaya. Isa itong paraan para ilapit ang pangunahing serbisyong medikal sa mga nangangailangan,” Senator Go stated, emphasizing his ongoing advocacy for accessible healthcare.
Through collaborative efforts with fellow lawmakers, the Department of Health (DOH), led by Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, and local government units, funding has been secured for the construction of more than 600 Super Health Centers nationwide. In Occidental Mindoro, there are three Super Health Centers funded so far.
Senator Go acknowledged local officials, including Governor Eduardo Gadiano, Vice Governor Anecita Diana Apigo-Tayag, Mayor Lynn Tria, Vice Mayor Jun Montales, the councilors, and barangay captains of Mamburao, for their strong support of the project.
He also encouraged the public to utilize medical assistance available through Malasakit Centers particularly in Occidental Mindoro. Located at the Occidental Mindoro Provincial Hospital in Mamburao, the Malasakit Center serve as a one-stop shop to assist patients in reducing their medical expenses without having to travel to government offices especially for island provinces like Mindoro.
As the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, Senator Go has been instrumental in institutionalizing the program, which now includes 166 operational Malasakit centers across the country. According to the DOH, Malasakit Centers have provided assistance to more than 15 million Filipinos since their inception.
“Ang Malasakit Center po ay para sa mga nangangailangan. Siguraduhin po n’yo na magamit n’yo ang programang ito para sa inyong kapakanan,” Senator Go urged.
The establishment of Super Health Centers and the continuing operations of Malasakit Centers are part of Senator Bong Go’s broader vision to enhance healthcare services nationwide. These initiatives are particularly focused on underserved and rural communities, ensuring that no Filipino is left behind in accessing essential medical care.
“Gusto kong iparamdam sa bawat Pilipino ang serbisyong maaasahan at may malasakit lalo na pagdating sa kalusugan. Ang serbisyong medikal ay karapatan, hindi pribilehiyo. Kaya’t asahan n’yo na patuloy akong magsusumikap para isulong ang kalusugan dahil katumbas ito ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” underscored Senator Go, who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.
On the same day, Senator Go, an adopted son of the Municipality of Sablayan, also distributed aid to poor residents in the town. He also visited the Super Health Center there.
“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo, at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon,” concluded Senator Go
