CARMEN, BOHOL — Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, attended the inauguration of a Super Health Center in Sitio Decker, Carmen, Bohol, on 5 March, underscoring efforts to bring essential healthcare services closer to communities.

Go emphasized the importance of accessible healthcare, particularly in rural areas. “Unang araw pa lang ng aking termino pagka-Senador (noong 2019), umikot na ako dahil gusto kong mapaabot sa tao ang serbisyo ng gobyerno… hindi ako politiko na mangangako sa inyo, gagawin ko lang ang dapat kong gawin at magtatrabaho ako para makapagserbisyo sa abot ng aking makakaya,” he said.

("From the very first day of my term as Senator (in 2019), I traveled around because I wanted to bring government services closer to the people… I am not a politician who makes promises — I will simply do what needs to be done and work hard to serve to the best of my ability.")

The Super Health Center is designed to provide primary care, consultations, and early detection services, easing the burden on larger hospitals. These centers operate in coordination with municipal health offices, local government units, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) through its Konsulta program.

“Patuloy po akong tutulong sa pagpaparami ng Super Health Centers sa bansa sa abot po ng aking makakaya," Go said, reiterating his commitment to expanding healthcare access.

("I will continue to help in increasing the number of Super Health Centers in the country to the best of my ability.")

The senator cited the collaboration between lawmakers, the Department of Health (DOH), led by Secretary Teodoro "Ted" Herbosa, and local government units in securing funding for over 700 Super Health Centers nationwide. In Bohol, 19 centers are either planned or under construction.

Go also expressed gratitude to healthcare workers, particularly for their service during the Covid-19 pandemic. “Pasalamatan natin ngayong araw ang ating mga health workers na nagsakripisyo sa panahon ng pandemya. Sila po ang dahilan kung bakit mayroon tayong Super Health Center ngayon. Palakpakan natin silang lahat,” he said.

("Let us thank our health workers today who sacrificed during the pandemic. They are the reason we have the Super Health Center now. Let’s give them a round of applause.")

Local officials present at the event included Congresswoman Kristine Tutor, Governor Erico Aris Aumentado, Vice Governor Tita Baja, Board Members Greg Jala and Dionisio Balite, Mayor Conchita Delos Reyes, and Vice Mayor Romeo Bigay Jr.

Aside from promoting health facilities in communities, Go encouraged the public to avail of medical assistance through Malasakit Centers. In Bohol, these centers are located at the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital in Tagbilaran City and Don Emilio del Valle Memorial Hospital in Ubay.

As the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, Go has played a key role in institutionalizing the program, which now has 167 operational centers nationwide. According to the DOH, Malasakit Centers have assisted over 17 million Filipinos.

"Ang Malasakit Center po ay para sa lahat ng mga Pilipino lalo na sa mga nangangailangan. Siguraduhin po n’yo na magamit n’yo ang programang ito para sa inyong kapakanan," he said.

("The Malasakit Center is for all Filipinos, especially those in need. Make sure to take advantage of this program for your benefit.")

Go reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening healthcare services, particularly in underserved communities. “Health is wealth para sa akin. Ang kalusugan ay katumbas ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino. Patuloy po akong magseserbisyo para sa lahat dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo,” he said.

("For me, health is wealth. Good health is equivalent to the life of every Filipino. I will continue to serve everyone because serving is my passion.")

Following the inauguration, Go also attended the Carmen, Bohol Farmers Congress with Mayor Delos Reyes, participated in a motorcade, and joined local officials in the blessing of the Garcia Hernandez Municipal Gym.