SBG inspects new multi-purpose building in Samal, Davao del Norte

During his visit to the Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte on Saturday, November 11, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go conducted an inspection of a newly constructed multi-purpose building which he supported as vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance. The facility, located in Barangay Limao, is a testament to the senator's commitment to enhancing local infrastructure development.

During his inspection, Go emphasized the importance of community projects like this one. He stated, "Kinikilala natin ang mahalagang papel ng local infrastructure sa pagpapabuti ng kalidad ng buhay ng ating mga mamamayan."

The multi-purpose hall, a project that aligns with Go's advocacy for local development, is expected to serve various community needs, including gatherings, educational activities, and temporary emergency shelter during disasters.

"Natutuwa akong makita na naisakatuparan ang proyektong ito. Mahalaga na patuloy tayong sumuporta sa mga local government units sa kanilang pagsisikap na magtayo ng mga pasilidad na tumutugon sa social at practical needs ng mga tao," added Go who advocated for the funding needed to complete the project.

Go, known for his active involvement in community development projects, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the construction of the hall.

"This is a result of our combined efforts – the local government, the community, and the national government working together for the betterment of our barangay," he said.

He then acknowledged several key local leaders and officials for their vital roles and contributions to community development and good governance. This included Mayor Al David Uy and Councilor Sonny Lanorias who were with him during his visit.

He also recognized the efforts of the barangay captains and kagawads from different communities for their dedicated service to their respective communities and significant contributions to local projects and initiatives.

During his visit, Go also cited his advocacy to bolster the health sector in grassroots communities. As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go mentioned that a Super Health Center is set to be established on the island, the groundbreaking of which was personally attended by the senator in December last year.

Other Super Health Centers in Davao del Norte will be strategically located in Carmen, Tagum City, Talaingod and two in Panabo City. As the lead implementing agency, DOH identifies the strategic areas where these Super Health Centers will be established.

Through the collective efforts of DOH, local government units, and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds have been allocated under the Department of Health (DOH) for the construction of 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023.

Super Health Centers offer 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) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation centers; and telemedicine, which makes remote diagnosis and treatment of patients possible.

The senator then encouraged those in need of medical assistance to seek the services of the Malasakit Centers located at Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City and at Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City.

A brainchild of Go, the Malasakit Centers program provides one-stop shops where concerned agencies are brought under one roof to ensure that medical assistance programs are more conveniently within the reach of indigent Filipinos. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program.

As of now, 159 Malasakit Centers are operational across the country, poised to assist with patients' medical expenses. The DOH reported that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to more than seven million Filipinos.

"Sa mga pasyente, lapitan niyo lang ang Malasakit Center dahil para 'to sa inyo. Kung may hospital bill kayo, nandiyan ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno na tutulong para mabayaran ito," said Go.

Go has also been instrumental in pushing for various local projects in Davao del Norte, reflecting his commitment to ensure that development reaches even the most remote areas of the country. These projects include the construction of several roads, such as the road from Crossing Toril, Babak, to Brgy. Sto. Niño in Babak District, the road connecting San Agustin Elementary School to Maximo Arellano Elementary School in Brgy. Sto. Niño, Babak District, and the road from the Port of Brgy. Sta. Cruz to Brgy. Linosutan in Talicud Island, Kaputian District.

On the same day, Go also visited Filipino troops of Task Force Samal stationed in Brgy. Peñaplata on the island, where he emphasized the importance of unity, service, and dedication to the community. Additionally, he attended the opening ceremony of the Samalenyo Cup and witnessed the turnover of motorboat engines to boost the livelihood of local fisherfolks.