Bong Go attends SHC groundbreaking in Maco

line with the government’s efforts to enhance the health care infrastructure and services in the country, Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, attended the groundbreaking of Maco Super Health Center (SHC) in Davao de Oro on Thursday.

The groundbreaking ceremony was also attended by local officials, including Gov. Dorothy Gonzaga, Maco Mayor Arthur Carlos Voltaire Rimando and Vice Mayor Alvera Veronica Rimando, among others.

“We would also like to thank our energetic local officials: ‘Thank you for your help and support for me in this project. Rest assured that I am with you in all your undertakings for the betterment and progress of Maco,” said Go in Filipino.

Go expressed his gratitude to the people of Davao de Oro for their unwavering support and trust in the Department of Health’s (DoH) initiative.

He also expressed his anticipation that the said health facility would positively impact the health and well-being of the community.

Go recognized the dedication and hard work of the health care workers, acknowledging them as the frontliners who tirelessly serve the community, saying, “I would also like to express my gratitude to all the frontliners during the time of the pandemic. We will not reach this stage if not for your sacrifice. Thank you for the service. I will fight for you in the Senate.”

He then emphasized the importance of accessible and quality health care services, particularly in remote and underserved areas like Maco.

Super Health Centers are improved versions of polyclinics that offer database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: X-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation center; and telemedicine, where remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will be done.

Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023.

The DoH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed.

In 2022, Super Health Centers in Davao de Oro commenced construction in Montevista, Nabunturan and Mawab. This year, there will be two Super Health Centers in the town and one each in Monkayo and Compostela.

After the groundbreaking, Go briefly inspected a two-story multipurpose building, which he supported as vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance.

He also supported the construction of revetments in several barangay (villages) in Maco.

The senator also spearheaded a relief operation at the municipal gymnasium for 1,000 struggling residents.