BRINGING HEALTHCARE TO THE GRASSROOTS: BONG GO ATTENDS BLESSING OF NEW INTEGRATED RURAL HEALTH UNIT THAT WILL FUNCTION AS A SUPER HEALTH CENTER IN TAAL, BATANGAS

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, known as a crusader for health reforms, attended the blessing of a new Integrated Rural Health Unit that will function as a Super Health Center in Taal, Batangas, on Saturday, December 28.

The event marked another milestone in improving healthcare access for grassroots communities in CALABARZON, where Senator Go has been declared an adopted son with familial roots in Batangas through his Tesoro side.

In his speech, Senator Go emphasized the importance of enhancing healthcare services in underserved areas.

“Ang mga health facilities tulad ng Super Health Center ay ating isinulong at sinusuportahan bilang sagot sa pangangailangan ng mga kababayan natin na kailangan ng serbisyong medikal sa kanilang komunidad. Lalo na sa mga lugar na mahirap puntahan ang ospital, dito po sila unang pupunta para sa check-up at pagpapagamot,” said Senator Go.

Super Health Centers are designed to provide primary care services, consultations, and early detection to reinforce the country’s healthcare system, especially at the grassroots level. Municipal health offices, local government units, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) through its Konsulta program can offer free consultations at these centers.

“Patuloy po akong tutulong sa pagpaparami ng Super Health Centers sa bansa sa abot po ng aking makakaya,” Senator Go stated, reiterating his commitment to bringing essential healthcare services closer to Filipinos.

Through collaborative efforts between Senator Go, fellow lawmakers, the Department of Health (DOH) under Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, and local government units, funding was secured to establish over 700 Super Health Centers nationwide. In Batangas alone, 18 Super Health Centers have been funded, ensuring better healthcare access for residents in the province.

Senator Go also extended his gratitude to local officials for their support for the project, including Governor Dodo Mandanas, Vice Governor Mark Leviste, Mayor Pong Mercado, and Vice Mayor Michael Villano. Also present were local officials from Sta Teresita. Special recognition was also given to Senator Loren Legarda and her son, Leandro Legarda Leviste.

During the event, Senator Go and his Malasakit Team distributed assistance to 200 attendees composed of Barangay Health Workers, Barangay Nutrition Scholars, and local government staff. The assistance included BHW packs, snacks, and shirts.

In his speech, Senator Go also encouraged the public to maximize the services offered by Malasakit Centers located in Batangas Medical Center in Batangas City and Batangas Provincial Hospital in Lemery. These centers aim to cover hospital bills for indigent patients by streamlining access to medical assistance programs.

Malasakit Centers are one-stop shops designed to assist patients in lowering their hospital costs to the least amount possible. Senator Go authored and sponsored Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the program. To date, 166 Malasakit Centers operate nationwide, providing aid to over 15 million Filipinos.

“Kung kailangan po ninyo ng tulong sa mga gastusin sa ospital, pumunta lang po kayo sa Malasakit Center. Para sa Pilipino po ito,” Senator Go assured the crowd.

Also an adopted son of the municipality of Taal, Senator Go reiterated his lifelong dedication to improving the lives of Filipinos, especially those in need.

“Bilang ‘Mr. Malasakit,’ gagawin ko ang lahat ng aking makakaya para tulungan ang mga kababayan natin sa kanilang pangangailangan. Hindi ko po kayo iiwan, lalo na sa oras ng pangangailangan,” underscored Senator Go, who remains steadfast in championing healthcare reforms in the Philippines.