Senator Bong Go Advocates for Enhanced Healthcare Accessibility in Batangas through Super Health Centers
The chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Senator Bong Go, recently attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Super Health Center in Lipa City, Batangas. This initiative aims to improve healthcare accessibility in the province, particularly in rural areas, by establishing primary healthcare facilities equipped with essential services such as medical consultations, early disease detection, and primary healthcare.
During his speech, Senator Bong Go emphasized the importance of bringing healthcare services closer to the people. Being an adopted son of CALABARZON with familial roots in Batangas, Senator Go commended the efforts of the local government of Lipa City, including Deputy Speaker Ralph Recto, Mayor Eric Africa, and Vice Mayor Camille Lopez, in enhancing the health sector of their community.
The Super Health Centers, which Senator Go passionately advocates for, will play a vital role in strengthening grassroots healthcare infrastructure in Batangas and other parts of the country. These centers will alleviate the burden on hospitals by providing a wide range of medical services, including primary healthcare, laboratory tests, X-rays, dental services, and even dialysis. Senator Go encourages local government units (LGUs) to further improve these Super Health Centers according to the needs of their communities.
Moreover, Senator Bong Go’s efforts as the vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, along with the support of the Department of Health (DOH), fellow lawmakers, and LGUs, have secured sufficient funds in the national budget for the construction of 307 Super Health Centers in 2022. Additionally, he successfully pushed for the allocation of funds in the 2023 budget for the construction of 322 more Super Health Centers across the country.
In Lipa City alone, three Super Health Centers have already been funded. Senator Go has also extended his support to other areas in Batangas, including San Pascual, Agoncillo, Calatagan, San Jose, Malvar, Taysan, Ibaan, San Juan, Tingloy, and Lian, for the establishment of Super Health Centers.
To complement the Super Health Centers, Senator Bong Go urges the public to take advantage of the Malasakit Centers located at Batangas Medical Center in Batangas City and Batangas Provincial Hospital in Lemery. The Malasakit Centers, which were principally authored and sponsored by Senator Go through Republic Act No. 11463, provide coordinated and streamlined assistance to Filipinos seeking medical help. Currently, there are 159 centers across the country, which have already benefited more than ten million individuals, according to the Department of Health.
Furthermore, Senator Go highlighted another significant law he sponsored and authored, the Regional Specialty Centers Act (RA 11959). This law, aligned with the Marcos Administration’s healthcare legislative priorities and the Philippine Development Plan for 2023-2028, mandates the creation of Regional Specialty Centers within the existing regional hospitals under the DOH’s jurisdiction. These specialized centers, which cater to various medical disciplines, aim to further enhance healthcare services and provide comprehensive care to patients in Batangas and other regions.
Senator Bong Go’s commitment to bolstering the health sector is reflected in his support for the rehabilitation of multipurpose buildings and the acquisition of multipurpose vehicles to enhance development and public services in the province. Recently, he attended the blessing and inauguration of a multipurpose building in San Juan town, Batangas, further demonstrating his dedication to improving the communities he serves.
With Senator Bong Go’s initiatives and advocacies, Batangas and other areas in the Philippines are on the path to achieving enhanced healthcare accessibility through the establishment of Super Health Centers, Malasakit Centers, and Regional Specialty Centers. These initiatives will positively impact the lives of Filipinos by bringing quality healthcare services closer to those in need while alleviating the strain on hospitals and promoting a stronger and healthier society.
