SEN. Christopher "Bong" Go on Tuesday, March 5, attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Medical Arts building within the premises of the Southern LuzoMultispecialty Medical Center in Tayabas, Quezon Province.
This is part of the senator's efforts to bring quality health care closer to Filipinos, emphasizing the importance of accessible and comprehensive medical services, especially at the grassroots.
"This is one way how we can improve our health care system. As chairman of the Senate Committees on Health and Sports, the health of our countrymen is important to me. It is better if we are always prepared unlike what happened during the pandemic," said Go in a radio interview earlier that day.
Go, as the principal sponsor of Republic Act (RA) 11702 which established the Southern Luzon Multispecialty Medical Center, expressed his continuing commitment in promoting the health and well-being of Filipinos, especially those in far-flung locations.
The introduction of the Medical Arts building is expected to significantly contribute to enhancing specialized medical services and patient care in the region.
Highlighting the broader vision for health care in the Philippines, the senator spoke on the significance of establishing regional specialty centers.
Go is the principal sponsor and one of the authors of RA 11959, or the "Regional Specialty Centers Act." The law mandates the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers within existing Department of Health (DoH) regional hospitals.
Known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to the poor, Go underscored his efforts to support more health initiatives across the region, including the continued operations of the Malasakit Centers located at Quezon Medical Center in Lucena City and Maria L. Eleazar General Hospital in Tagkawayan.
This program, initiated by Senator Go in 2018, aims to streamline access to the government's medical assistance programs for the underprivileged. To date, there are 159 Malasakit Centers that have helped around 10 million Filipinos nationwide.
On the same day, Go also visited Lucena City to help struggling sectors and attend the Provincial Sports Clinic opening ceremony.