By Dave Charles Responte
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, continues his unwavering commitment to bring essential public health services to Filipinos at the grassroots level through the establishment of Super Health Centers.
During his inspection of a Super Health Center in Barangay Tawala, Panglao, and Barangay Dao, Dauis, Bohol on Wednesday, June 5, Go underscored the importance of an inclusive approach to fortify the country’s healthcare infrastructure.
He emphasized the pivotal role of Super Health Centers in addressing health challenges and safeguarding the well-being of the populace, particularly those in rural areas.
“We must invest more in our healthcare system. We never thought we would be hit by a pandemic. It’s better to be prepared for any pandemic that may come our way,” Go stated.
“I will continue to help increase the number of Super Health Centers in the country as much as I can. In the Super Health Centers that have been established, we have seen how much they help the community, especially in rural areas,” he added.
Super Health Centers are strategically designed to deliver primary care, offer consultations, and enhance early disease detection at the grassroots level. They aim to strengthen the country’s healthcare sector, with a particular focus on rural communities.
Through the collaborative efforts of Go, fellow lawmakers, the Department of Health, led by Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, and local government units, sufficient funding was allocated for the establishment of over 700 Super Health Centers nationwide.
During his visit to Dauis, Go commended government and local officials for their service to their constituents, including Panglao Mayor Edgardo Arcay, Vice-Mayor Noel Hormachuelos, Dauis Mayor Roman Bullen, and Vice Mayor Miriam Sumaylo, among others.
After the inspection, Go and his Malasakit Team proceeded to the Tawala Gym and Dauis Municipal Gym to distribute aid to 1022 displaced workers. They provided food packs, snacks, vitamins, masks, shirts, and balls. Select recipients also received a bicycle, watch, shoes, and a mobile phone.
Through Go’s initiative, these beneficiaries also qualified for livelihood support from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) under its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.
Go highlighted the need to protect the well-being of marginalized workers, especially those residing in rural areas who require increased economic opportunities.
The senator has filed Senate Bill No. 420 to institutionalize the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) to offer temporary employment opportunities to individuals who meet the criteria of being economically disadvantaged, impoverished, displaced, or seasonal workers if enacted into law.
To further alleviate the financial burden on Filipino families, Go also co-authored and co-sponsored SBN 2534, which aims to raise the daily minimum wage by P100 nationwide.
Throughout his visits, Go continues to support individuals requiring healthcare services. He advised them to seek assistance at the Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital (GCGMH) in Tagbilaran City and at Don Emilio del Valle Memorial Hospital in Ubay, where Malasakit Centers are ready to assist them in managing their medical expenses.
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.
Currently, 165 Malasakit Centers are operational across the country, poised to assist with patients’ medical expenses. The DOH reports that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to approximately ten million Filipinos.
As the vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also supported numerous initiatives aimed at boosting economic growth and improving the quality of public service delivery in the province.
These initiatives include the construction of multipurpose buildings, improvement of evacuation centers, installation of a water system, construction of slaughterhouses, improvements of public markets, acquisition of an ambulance and rescue vehicle, and installation of solar street lights in various towns of Bohol.