Underscoring the crucial role played by barangay health workers, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, extended assistance to hundreds of these frontline heroes in Sariaya, Quezon on Wednesday, May 31.
In his video message, Go highlighted the indispensable services rendered by these dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to safeguard the health and well-being of their communities.
“Barangay healthcare workers form the backbone of healthcare services at the grassroots level. Despite limited resources and often working in challenging conditions, these unsung heroes serve as the first point of contact for many Filipinos seeking medical assistance,” highlighted Go.
“They provide essential healthcare services. Their tireless efforts contribute significantly to the overall health and well-being of their respective communities,” he continued.
As a lawmaker, Go has consistently championed the cause of healthcare workers. He filed Senate Bill No. 427 which seeks to mandate the provision of allowances and incentives to barangay health workers. The proposed measure seeks to provide a monthly allowance of PhP3,000 to all barangay health workers. They will also be entitled to benefits and privileges and security of tenure if enacted into law.
The team of Go distributed masks, snacks, and shirts to 408 health workers while they also gave away shoes, mobile phones, and balls for basketball to select recipients. Lastly, the Department of Social Welfare and Development extended financial assistance.
The relief activity was held at Sariaya Sports Complex.
Continuing his remarks, Go also expressed that he believes that each person deserves quality healthcare, regardless of their social or economic status. It is for this reason that he pushed for the enactment of the Malasakit Centers Act in 2019 which provides convenient access to medical assistance programs by the government.
The center brings together concerned agencies, such as DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, to assist poor and indigent patients with their medical expenses and help reduce it to the lowest amount possible. To date, there are 157 operational centers in the country.
He likewise continues to push for the establishment of a Super Health Center in the town.
The Super Health Centers are enhanced versions of the rural health unit, offering a wide range of health services such as database management, outpatient care, birthing facilities, isolation areas, diagnostic services (including laboratory tests, X-rays, and ultrasounds), pharmacy services, and ambulatory surgical units.
Additionally, these centers provide services such as eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) care, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine, which enables remote diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Apart from Sariaya Super Health Center, DOH has also identified several other locations for the Super Health Centers in the province, such as Agdangan, Alabat, Atimonan, Candelaria, Dolores, Gumaca, Infanta, Lopez, Mauban, Quezon, Tagkawayan, Tiaong, Catanauan and Perez.
“Nalulungkot po ako tuwing naririnig ko ‘yung mga kababayan nating mahihirap na ayaw magpa-checkup dahil takot po sa babayaran sa ospital. Huwag po kayong gano’n. Magtulungan po tayo.”
“Sino ba namang magtutulungan kung ‘di tayo lang po kapwa natin Pilipino? Nandirito po ako na handang magserbisyo sa inyong lahat, mga kababayan ko,” he added.
Meanwhile, as an adopted son of CALABARZON and as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go remains committed to contribute to the progress of the town. He supported the funding for various infrastructure projects.
These include the construction of slope protection systems along the Lagnas River, the establishment of the Sariaya Bypass, the rehabilitation of a bridge on the provincial road, the implementation of a potable water system, and the concreting of roads at the New Local Government Complex.
On May 28, Go visited Sariaya town where he personally inspected a Super Health Center and spearheaded a distribution activity for a thousand struggling residents.
