CAUAYAN CITY, ISABELA — Senator Christopher “Bong” Go spearheaded the groundbreaking ceremony for a new Super Health Center on Thursday, 23 January, as part of efforts to enhance healthcare accessibility in underserved communities.

During the event, Senator Go emphasized the need to decentralize healthcare services to ensure medical assistance reaches even the most remote areas. “These Super Health Centers bring essential healthcare services closer to Filipinos, especially those in far-flung areas,” he said in Filipino.

The ceremony was attended by local officials, including Cauayan City Mayor Caesar Dy Jr., Vice Mayor Leoncio Dalin Jr., and members of the city council.

Super Health Centers are designed to provide primary care, consultations, and early detection services. They also serve as venues for free consultations facilitated by municipal health offices, local government units, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) under its Konsulta program.

Senator Go highlighted the collaborative efforts of lawmakers, the Department of Health (DOH), and local government units, which have resulted in the establishment of over 600 Super Health Centers nationwide, including 19 in Isabela.

“Patuloy po akong tutulong sa pagpaparami ng Super Health Centers sa bansa sa abot po ng aking makakaya (I will continue to work towards building more Super Health Centers across the country to ensure that every Filipino has access to healthcare),” Go said.

He expressed gratitude to local officials, including Governor Rodolfo Albano III, Vice Governor Faustino Dy III, and Congressman Inno Dy, for their support in realizing these projects.

Senator Go also reminded residents of the Malasakit Centers in Isabela, located at Gov. Faustino N. Dy, Sr. Memorial Hospital in Ilagan City and Southern Isabela Medical Center in Santiago City. The Malasakit Centers, established under Republic Act No. 11463, streamline access to government medical and financial assistance for patients in need.

“There are now 166 operational Malasakit Centers nationwide, which have assisted over 15 million Filipinos by reducing hospital bills and other medical expenses,” Go said.

As part of the event, Senator Go and his team distributed grocery packs to barangay health workers and other attendees. The senator reiterated his commitment to serving Filipinos directly, emphasizing his personal dedication to public service.

On the same day, Senator Go participated in the Bambanti Festival celebrations in Ilagan City and inaugurated another Super Health Center in Echague. He also visited various infrastructure projects in the province that he supported as vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, including the Freedom Park and Library and the Southern Isabela Medical Center Cancer Center in Echague.