BONG GO LEADS TURNOVER OF SUPER HEALTH CENTER IN MIDSAYAP, NORTH COTABATO

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, joined the turnover of the Super Health Center on Thursday, January 9, in Barangay Poblacion 3, Midsayap, North Cotabato.

“Kanina po, maraming nagpapasalamat sa akin. Pero sa totoo lang po, ako ang dapat na magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan ninyo ako ng pagkakataong makapagserbisyo. Maraming salamat po sa inyong tiwala at nakakasiguro po kayo na hinding hindi ko ito sasayangin,” Senator Go said.

In his speech, the senator expressed his satisfaction with the turnover of the Super Health Center, emphasizing its significant role in serving the community and bringing healthcare closer to the people.

“Alam ko po na isa sa mga hamon ng ating mga residente ay ang pagkakaroon ng access sa mga pangunahing serbisyong pangkalusugan dahil sa layo ng mga pasilidad. Kaya naman patuloy kong isinusulong ang pagtatayo ng mas marami pang Super Health Centers sa buong bansa,” he stated.

The Super Health Centers offer a wide range of services, including database management, outpatient care, birthing facilities, isolation rooms, diagnostic services (laboratory tests, X-rays, and ultrasound), pharmacy services, and ambulatory surgical units. Other services include eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) care, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine, which allows for the remote diagnosis and treatment of patients.

With the support of fellow lawmakers, local government units, and the Department of Health, funds have been allocated for more than 700 Super Health Centers, including seven in North Cotabato.

Aside from the Super Health Centers, Senator Go highlighted one of his flagship programs, the Malasakit Centers.

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, 166 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 more than 15 million Filipinos. In North Cotabato, Malasakit Center is located at Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Kidapawan City.

Moreover, he also recognized the dedication of medical frontliners present at the event, urging them to continue their vital work in delivering healthcare to the community. Senator Go assured them of his unwavering support, as strengthening the country’s healthcare system remains one of his top priorities.

The senator further distributed food packs to 100 barangay health workers in attendance as a gesture of appreciation and support. Selected recipients also received shirts, fans, basketballs, and volleyballs from Senator Go.

Senator Go also acknowledged the contributions of local officials in bringing government services closer to the people. Among those recognized were Mayor Atty. Rolando Sacdalan, Vice Mayor Vivencio Deomampo Jr., Councilors and Barangay Captains.

Mayor Sacdalan expressed gratitude to the senator for his unwavering support of the Filipino people, particularly in Midsayap.

As the Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Go has supported various projects in Midsayap, including the construction of roads in Barangays Baliki, Kimagango, Malamote, and Lomopog; the construction of a bridge in San Isidro; the construction of multi-purpose buildings; the upgrading of health equipment; and the improvements to rural health units.

During the event, Sadaan Barangay Captain Rodrigo “Doding” Durano Go also showed Go the ambulance that he supported which would benefit the people in Midsayap.

“Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil ang tangi kong bisyo ay magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Diyos,” Go concluded.

On the same day, Go also partnered with the local government in providing support to indigents in Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat.