Senator Christopher "Bong" Go visited Makilala, North Cotabato last Monday, 9 October, where he extended aid to various groups, reinforcing his commitment to improving public service delivery especially to communities in need.

The event commenced with Go extending his gratitude towards the local government officials and the residents of Makilala. He expressed his full support for improving local governance, particularly in the barangay level.

He also mentioned that he has filed Senate Bill No. 197, also known as the Magna Carta for Barangays, and SBN 427, known as the Barangay Health Workers Compensation Act, to better support them in their roles.

Held at the new municipal building grounds, Go's team provided masks, vitamins, shirts, and snacks to 481 residents. Select recipients also received shoes, watches, mobile phones, and balls for basketball and volleyball.

The beneficiaries also qualified for livelihood support from the Department of Labor and Employment through its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers program.

Underscoring the need for accessible yet affordable healthcare, Go reached out to residents with health concerns as he encouraged them to visit the Malasakit Center at the Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Kidapawan City.

The Malasakit Center Program was signed into law in 2019 under Republic Act 11463, which Go principally authored and sponsored. It aims to provide convenient access to medical programs offered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Meanwhile, Go attended the groundbreaking ceremony for a Super Health Center in Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat. The initiative is part of his ongoing efforts to make government healthcare services more accessible to Filipinos, particularly those residing in marginalized communities.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Go underscored the critical role that Super Health Centers play in delivering quality healthcare, particularly in remote and underserved areas. These centers are strategically designed to meet the basic health needs of these communities, thereby bridging the healthcare gap.

The Super Health Centers will offer a range of healthcare services, including database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: X-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy and ambulatory surgical unit.