SEN. Bong Go witnessed the official turnover of the super health center (SHC) on Manuel Roxas Street in Magdiwang town, Sibuyan Island, Romblon on Tuesday.
The event, coinciding with Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), underscored the commitment of local officials to provide accessible medical care to those in need.
"I will continue to help increase the number of Super Health Centers in the country to the best of my ability. We have seen how much these centers contribute to the community, especially in rural areas," Go said.
"It is a significant step toward enhanced health care services in communities. The goal of the Super Health Centers is to bring government medical services closer to the people," he added.
Go said that establishing a super health center on Sibuyan Island is paramount due to its geographical remoteness.
Sibuyan, often called the "Galápagos of Asia" for its rich biodiversity, lacks immediate access to comprehensive medical services in more urbanized regions. The said facility bridges this gap, ensuring that residents receive essential health services without the need for lengthy and potentially hazardous journeys.
Through the collective efforts of Go, the Department of Health (DoH) led by Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, local government units and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds have been allocated for the construction of around 700 SHCs nationwide.
Super health centers are designed to focus on primary care, medical consultation and early disease detection, further strengthening the health care sector in the country, especially in grassroots communities.
Go also acknowledged Gov. Otik Riano, Mayor Arthur Tansiongco and Vice Mayor Antonio Menese, among others, for their efforts in uplifting their community.
Tansiongco thanked Go for his support and contributions to health care developments in the town and the whole of Romblon. "The people of Sibuyan, Magdiwang and Romblon love you very much," the mayor began.
"Here, you are truly famous. In Bisaya, it's well-known; you are very well-known here in Magdiwang," he added, explaining how Go's compassionate service has reached even the country's most remote areas.
Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, then emphasized the presence of a Malasakit Center at the Romblon Provincial Hospital in Odiongan to improve health care accessibility further and equip it to provide medical-related support to patients in need.
The Malasakit Center is designed to provide Filipinos convenient access to medical assistance programs offered by the DoH, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
According to the Health Department, 161 active Malasakit centers nationwide have aided more than 10 million Filipinos. The Malasakit Centers program, a brainchild of Go, was institutionalized under Republic Act 11463, which he principally authored and sponsored in the Senate.
As vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, he supported further improvement and rehabilitation of the municipal park and plaza in Banton to boost regional development and economic growth in Romblon.
He also supported the construction of multipurpose buildings in Ferrol, Romblon and Santa Maria; the improvement of the municipal park in Banton; road improvements in Cajidiocan, Looc, Romblon, San Fernando and Santa Fe; and acquisition of ambulance units in Santa Maria.
Go extended his Romblon visit to Cajidiocan to inspect the rehabilitation of ML Quezon Street, a project he supported. The senator's visit to Cajidiocan also included engagements with locals affected by job loss, where he provided support and inspiration. Additionally, Go was invited to the Provincial Athletic Meet held in the town as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports.
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