Zamboanga City Health officials inaugurated the Talon-talon Super Health Center recently, expanding medical access for residents of the city and nearby island communities.

The facility is designed to provide primary care, consultations, and early disease detection. It aims to decongest major hospitals by handling routine medical concerns and basic diagnostics at the neighborhood level.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, whose team joined local officials for the opening, emphasized in a video message that bringing healthcare directly to the people helps prevent minor ailments from becoming life-threatening.

“It is important that we bring health services closer to the people so that even simple consultations can prevent illnesses from worsening,” Go said.

The center’s activation follows the completion of City Health Office standards, similar to the opening of the Sangali Super Health Center in December 2025.

Free consultations at the facility will be managed by local health offices in coordination with the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. through its Konsulta program.

Go urged the Department of Health to ensure all such centers nationwide become fully operational, warning against “white elephant” projects that fail to serve the public.

“It would be a waste if there is a facility near you but it is not being used. This is truly for you and your families,” Go added.

Local leaders, including Rep. Jerry “Totong” Perez, Mayor Khymer Olaso, and Vice Mayor Beng Climaco, were recognized for their roles in staffing and maintaining the new center.