In line with the government’s efforts to enhance the healthcare infrastructure and services in the country, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, attended the groundbreaking of Maco Super Health Center in Davao de Oro on Thursday, 25 May.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by local officials, including Governor Dorothy Gonzaga, Maco Mayor Arthur Carlos Voltaire Rimando, and Vice Mayor Alvera Veronica Rimando, among others. 

“Atin din palasamatan ang ating masipag na local officials, salamat sa inyong tulong at suporta ninyo sa akin dito. Asahan mo nandito lang rin ako. Kung ano ang makakatulong sa pagpapaunlad ng iyong bayan (at) kung ano ikakaganda dito sa Maco,” Go asserted.

Go expressed his gratitude to the people of Davao de Oro for their unwavering support and trust in the Department of Health’s initiative. He likewise expressed his anticipation that the said health facility would positively impact the health and well-being of the community. 

Senator Go recognized the dedication and hard work of the healthcare workers, acknowledging them as the frontliners who tirelessly serve the community, saying, “Gusto kong pasalamatan ang lahat ng frontliners sa panahon ng pandemya. Hindi natin ito mararating kung hindi dahil sa inyo. Maraming salamat sa inyong sakripisyo, salamat rin sa inyong serbisyo. Ipaglalaban ko kayo sa senado.”

He then emphasized the importance of accessible and quality healthcare services, particularly in remote and underserved areas like Maco.

“Nakita ko noon ang mga buntis nanganganak sa tricycle at jeep dahil sa malalayong lugar (sila nakatira). Ngayon, ilalagay itong Super Health Center sa mga strategic  areas. Isa ito sa pamamaraan na ilapit natin ang serbisyo medikal sa ating mga kababayan na hindi na nilang kailangan pa na bumiyahe,” he cited. 

Super Health Centers are improved versions of polyclinics that offer 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) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation center; and telemedicine, where remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will be done.

Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed.

In 2022, Super Health Centers in Davao de Oro commenced construction in Montevista, Nabunturan, and Mawab. This year, there will be two Super Health Centers in the town, and one of each in Monkayo and Compostela. 

“‘Lagi akong nakakarinig ng ‘salamat (former) president (Rodrigo Duterte), salamat Senador Bong Go’. ‘Wag kayong magpasalamat sa amin (dahil) kami ang dapat na magpasalamat sa inyo. Binigyan n’yo kami ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo sa inyong lahat.” Go highlighted.

After the groundbreaking, Go briefly inspected a two-story multipurpose building, which he supported as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance. 

He likewise supported the construction of revetments in several barangays in Maco. 

The senator also spearheaded a relief operation at the municipal gymnasium for 1,000 struggling residents. 

The resident beneficiaries received grocery packs, snacks, vitamins, masks, and shirts. Meanwhile, there were select recipients of bicycles, mobile phones, shoes, caps, and balls for basketball and volleyball. 

Lastly, the Department of Social Welfare and Development also had a team present to extend financial assistance.