Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, reaffirmed his commitment to providing accessible healthcare to communities during the turnover ceremony of the Super Health Center in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, on Monday.
In his address to local officials and residents, Go emphasized the importance of localized health infrastructure in meeting the needs of Filipinos, especially in remote areas.
His return to Tagoloan marked a significant milestone, as he had previously led the groundbreaking of the Super Health Center the year before.
“In 2019, I was number one in Tagoloan and all of Misamis Oriental. I haven’t forgotten you. I’m here, ready to help as much as I can,” Go said in Filipino. “I’m just a simple province resident from Mindanao. We’re neighbors. That’s why my service is for you.”
Despite the intense heat — “The weather is scorching. Even with the aircon in the car, the heat was still unbearable” — Go remained focused on his advocacy for improving healthcare access for all Filipinos.
He stressed the need for Super Health Centers to be accredited under the Konsulta Package of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), which is essential for maximizing public health benefits.
“We need to immediately accredit this Super Health Center under PhilHealth’s Konsulta Package. All Filipinos are PhilHealth members, right? We should make the most of this,” he said.
Super Health Centers are designed to provide primary care, consultations, and early disease detection, strengthening healthcare access in grassroots communities. Free consultations will be available through municipal health offices, local government units, and PhilHealth’s Konsulta program.
This initiative in Tagoloan is part of a larger plan led by Senator Go, in coordination with lawmakers, the Department of Health (DoH), and local government units, to establish over 700 Super Health Centers nationwide to bridge the gap in healthcare for underserved Filipinos.
In Misamis Oriental alone, 17 Super Health Centers have been supported, including those in Binuangan, Libertad, Balingasag and other municipalities.
Go expressed gratitude to local leaders, including Governor Peter Unabia Sr., Rep. Bambi Emano, and Mayor Atty. Nadya Emano-Elipe, for their contributions to the success of the Tagoloan Super Health Center.
In addition to Super Health Centers, Senator Go is the principal sponsor of Republic Act 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which has led to the creation of 167 Malasakit Centers nationwide. These centers aim to reduce hospital costs for indigent patients.
Senator Go also supported the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers within DoH hospitals, including units for Cardiovascular, Lung and Kidney Care at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center.
“We don’t need to travel to Manila anymore,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of Halfway Houses for patient watchers accompanying loved ones during treatment.
As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has supported various infrastructure projects in Misamis Oriental, including road construction, flood control, and water supply systems.