Bong Go turns over new Super Health Center in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reaffirmed his commitment to accessible healthcare as he led the turnover of a newly completed Super Health Center in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental on Monday, 14 April.

Speaking before local officials and residents, Go emphasized the importance of strengthening grassroots healthcare, especially for poor and remote communities. He previously led the groundbreaking ceremony for the same facility, underscoring his continued support for the province.

“In 2019, I was number one in Tagoloan and in Misamis Oriental. I haven’t forgotten that. I’m here to serve and help as much as I can,” Go said in Filipino. “I’m a simple provincial guy from Mindanao. We’re neighbors, and my service is for you.”

Go, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, called for the immediate accreditation of Super Health Centers under PhilHealth’s Konsulta Package to ensure the public can access free consultations and essential care. “Every Filipino is a PhilHealth member. We must maximize its benefits,” he said.

Super Health Centers are designed to offer primary care services, early disease detection, and health consultations. Operated by local governments with support from PhilHealth, they help bridge the healthcare gap in underserved areas.

The Tagoloan facility is one of 17 Super Health Centers supported in Misamis Oriental, alongside those in Gingoog City, Initao, Libertad, and Cagayan de Oro, among others. More than 700 centers are being developed nationwide through Go’s initiative in coordination with the Department of Health and LGUs.

Go expressed his gratitude to Governor Peter Unabia Sr., Congressman Bambi Emano, Mayor Nadya Emano-Elipe, and Vice Mayor Robinson Sabio for their role in realizing the project.

The senator also highlighted related initiatives such as the Malasakit Center program, which he authored through Republic Act No. 11463. These one-stop shops help indigent Filipinos with hospital expenses. To date, 167 Malasakit Centers have assisted over 17 million Filipinos, including three in Misamis Oriental.

Go also backed the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers through Republic Act No. 11959, which he co-authored and sponsored. Specialty care units are now being developed at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center to provide cardiovascular, lung, and kidney services—minimizing the need to travel to Metro Manila.

He further mentioned the importance of Halfway Houses, which provide lodging for patient watchers during hospital treatment.

In his role as Senate Finance Committee Vice Chairperson, Go supported key infrastructure projects in Tagoloan, including road networks, flood control structures, a water supply system, and the construction of the TESDA Regional Office 10 building.

Go closed his visit by assuring constituents of his continued service: “I won’t waste the opportunity you’ve given me. I will continue to work for every Filipino. That is my only ‘vice’ — serving the people.”

He also joined PDP and Duterte-allied senatorial candidates in a motorcade in Cagayan de Oro and a rally in El Salvador, reaffirming his platform of “serbisyong may malasakit” across Mindanao.