Senators Bong Go and Robin Padilla on 25 November visited the town of Matanao where they inspected its Super Health Center.
The Super Health Center is one of Go's initiative with the Department of Health to bolster the country's healthcare system, particularly in far-flung areas. He helped secure funds for the construction of 307 such centers nationwide.
As chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go has been consistently pushing for the construction of health facilities.
"Nasa strategic areas po nakalagay para hindi na nila kailangan bumiyahe kapag may emergency cases. Meron na po silang sariling rural healthcare station. Pinangarap kong maisakatuparan ito at finally nag-groundbreaking tayo," Go told Matanao residents.
Super Health Centers offer basic health services, including database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT), oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation center and telemedicine, where remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will be done.
After the inspection, Go and Padilla joined the inauguration of a multipurpose building where they also conducted a relief activity for the town's struggling residents.
Go and his staff distributed grocery packs, vitamins, masks, shirts and meals to 500 residents. He also gave away shoes, bicycles, cellular phones, watches, umbrellas, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select beneficiaries.
"Huwag kayong magpasalamat sa amin, dahil obligasyon naming tumulong… Lapitan niyo lang kami. Hindi ako mangangako dahil hindi ako pulitiko na mangangako sa inyo. Basta tutulong lang ako sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil trabaho naman namin iyan," he said.
Personnel from the Social Welfare Department extended financial aid to residents through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.
Go also encouraged the beneficiaries to reach out to his office or visit the nearby Malasakit Centers at Davao del Sur Provincial Hospital in Digos City or at Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City.
The Malasakit Centers program was institutionalized under Republic Act 11463, which Go principally authored and sponsored in the Senate.
Go, also the vice chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported various infrastructure projects, such as the rehabilitation of several roads and the construction of the Matanao Municipal Hall which they also visited that day.
"Sa mga taga-Davao del Sur, maraming salamat sa inyong tulong kay (dating) presidente (Rodrigo) Duterte, kay Presidente (Bongbong) Marcos, kay Vice President Sara (Duterte), kay Robin at sa akin. Nandito lang kami na nagmamahal sa inyong lahat," he added.
On 26 November 26, Go also personally visited the town of Malalag and provided assistance to more flood victims.
