Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, known for his health reforms crusade, reaffirmed his push to improve access to quality healthcare as he, along with his Malasakit Team, visited the site of the Super Health Center in Lingig, Surigao del Sur on Saturday, August 9. The visit formed part of his continuing efforts to ensure that essential health services reach even the most remote communities.
Go underscored the importance of bringing primary care closer to the people. “Hindi po lahat may kakayahan o oras na bumiyahe nang malayo para magpatingin. Kung mas malapit po ang serbisyong medikal, mas marami ang mapipigilan na lumala ang sakit at mas marami ang mabibigyan ng pag-asa,” he stressed.
Super Health Centers are designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early detection, further strengthening the healthcare sector in the country, especially in grassroots communities. Free consultations are handled by municipal health offices, local government units (LGUs), and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) through its Konsulta program.
“Patuloy po akong tutulong sa pagpaparami ng Super Health Centers sa bansa sa abot po ng aking makakaya,” said Go.
Through the concerted efforts of Go, fellow lawmakers, the Department of Health (DOH) led by Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, and LGUs, adequate funding was allocated for establishing more than 700 Super Health Centers nationwide, including four in the province of Surigao del Sur.
During the activity, Go and his Malasakit Team also handed out assistance to barangay health workers as part of his continuing recognition of their vital role in community-based healthcare delivery. Each barangay health worker (BHW) received a grocery pack, shirts, and sports balls.
Go explained that such efforts aim to motivate and equip local health workers, saying, “Sila po ang unang sumasalo sa ating mga kababayan kapag may problema sa kalusugan, kaya marapat lamang na suportahan natin sila.”
In support of barangay officials and workers, Go has refiled several key measures in the 20th Congress. Among them is Senate Bill No. 412, or the Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers bill, which seeks to secure tenure, benefits, and compensation for BHWs.
The senator also took time to acknowledge the support of provincial and municipal leaders in making the project possible. Among those he recognized were Governor Johnny Pimentel, Congressman Alexander Pimentel of the 2nd District, Mayor Elmer Boyet Evangelio, and Vice Mayor Arnold Malaque.
He likewise expressed gratitude to the members of the municipal council — Councilors Rechi Gaylo, Redrey Orillo, Romie Bentayao, Momar Deloso, Belzar Mae Canoy, Paul Sereño, Liberato Artiza, and Mary Ailyn Christine Paler — along with Liga ng mga Barangay President Rey Anthony Saligumba, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President Sherica Yvonne Evangelio, Indigenous Peoples Representative Reynald Gay-od, and Municipal Health Officer Daryl Joy Evangelio. Go thanked them for their collaboration in pushing forward health projects in Lingig.
Go also urged the public to utilize medical and financial assistance from any of the Malasakit Centers located in the province, specifically at Bislig District Hospital in Bislig City, Lianga District Hospital in Lianga, and Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center in Tandag City.
Malasakit Centers are one-stop shops aiming to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program.
As of now, 167 Malasakit Centers are operational across the country, assisting patients with medical expenses. The DOH reports that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to more than 17 million Filipinos.
“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,” underscored Go, who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.
On the same day, Go also attended the 104th Araw ng Lingig celebration in Surigao del Sur, before going to Veruela, Agusan del Sur for the turnover of the Super Health Center.