Bong Go personally inspects Super Health Center in Kalibo, Aklan to help bring primary healthcare closer to communities

KALIBO, Aklan- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go visited Barangay Nalook in Kalibo, Aklan, on Saturday, January 18, to inspect the town’s Super Health Center, a vital component of his health reforms crusade.

The visit coincided with the Ati-Atihan Festival, adding a festive backdrop to the event. The senator was accompanied by local officials, healthcare workers, and community leaders who were eager to witness the facility’s potential to improve healthcare services in their area.

During the inspection, Senator Go emphasized the importance of accessible healthcare in grassroots communities. “Ang pangunahing layunin ng Super Health Centers ay matiyak na ang serbisyong medikal ay abot-kamay, lalo na para sa mga kababayan nating nasa malalayong lugar,” he stated, addressing attendees.

Super Health Centers are designed to provide primary care, early diagnosis, and consultations, forming the backbone of healthcare in grassroots communities. These facilities integrate services such as diagnostics, laboratory tests, and minor medical procedures to alleviate the strain on larger hospitals.

As part of his visit, Senator Go and his team distributed essential items to Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), including grocery packs, snacks, and shirts, as a token of gratitude for their dedication to community healthcare. He commended their vital role

in delivering health services, saying, “Kayo po ang unang nilalapitan ng ating mga kababayan. Malaking tulong ang inyong serbisyo sa tagumpay ng ating mga programang pangkalusugan.”

The Super Health Center in Barangay Nalook is one of such facilities in Aklan, funded through the collaborative efforts of Senator Go, fellow lawmakers, and the Department of Health (DOH) under Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa. This initiative aims to ensure that residents have access to essential medical services without traveling long distances.

Senator Go also expressed his appreciation to local officials for their support in making the project a reality. Among those acknowledged were Governor Joen Miraflores; Kalibo Mayor Juris Sucro; Cuartero, Capiz Mayor Tito Mayo; and barangay officials.

Additionally, Senator Go encouraged residents to maximize the benefits of Malasakit Centers, including the one located at Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital (DRSTMH) in Kalibo. These centers, established under Republic Act No. 11463, which was principally authored and sponsored by Senator Go, serve as one-stop shops to assist impoverished patients in reducing their hospital expenses.

“Ang Malasakit Centers ay nandito upang tumulong sa inyong gastusin sa ospital. Huwag po kayong mahihiyang lumapit sa aming opisina o sa pinakamalapit na center para magtanong at humingi ng tulong,” he advised.

To date, 166 Malasakit Centers have been established nationwide, benefiting over 15 million Filipinos. These centers aim to ensure that no Filipino is denied access to healthcare due to financial constraints.

“Patuloy po akong tutulong sa pagpaparami ng Super Health Centers sa bansa sa abot po ng aking makakaya,” said Senator Go. He emphasized that the collective efforts of local government units and the national government remain crucial to achieving their healthcare goals.

The senator concluded his visit with a heartfelt appeal to the public: “Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Sto. Nino,” reiterated Senator Go, who is also known as “Mr. Malasakit” for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.

That day, Senator Go also assisted fire victims in Manila City before going to Kalibo, Aklan, where he joined the Ati-Atihan Festival celebrations. He also visited the Malasakit Center at DRSTMH, distributing rice porridge to patients, staff, and other attendees.

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