Go was represented by Davao City 2nd District Councilor Che-Che Justol and his Malasakit Team during the inauguration on Wednesday, October 21.
Located in Paquibato District, Barangay Malabog is among Davao City’s far-flung communities, where distance and travel time can pose challenges for residents seeking medical attention. Emergency responders coming from the city proper may take more than an hour to reach the barangay.
Go said establishing accessible healthcare facilities at the community level would encourage residents to seek medical advice early and help prevent illnesses from worsening.
“Importante po na mailapit natin ang serbisyong pangkalusugan sa tao mismo, para sa simpleng konsultasyon pa lang ay maagapan na ang sakit at hindi na lumala,” Go said in a message.
He added that having a Super Health Center within or near a community would make it easier for residents to consult healthcare workers and obtain medical guidance.
The senator’s Malasakit Team distributed food packs to barangay health workers during the event, while other attendees received shirts, pens and fans.
Super Health Centers are intended to provide primary healthcare services, medical consultations, basic diagnostic procedures and preventive care. By addressing common health concerns at the community level, the facilities are also expected to help ease the patient load in major hospitals.
Consultations and other basic services are expected to be supported by local health offices and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s Konsulta program, subject to applicable eligibility requirements and service availability. BuyMaps
Go said collaborative efforts among lawmakers, the Department of Health (DOH) and local government units had helped secure funding for more than 700 Super Health Centers nationwide, including 11 in Davao City.
He also called on the DOH and concerned agencies to ensure that completed facilities become fully operational, stressing that public investments must translate into actual healthcare benefits for communities.
“Sayang po kung may pasilidad na malapit sa inyo pero hindi nagagamit. Para po talaga ito sa inyo at sa inyong pamilya,” he said.
Go likewise recognized Mayor Sebastian Duterte, Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte III, members of the City Council, Barangay Malabog Captain Jessielito Areja and other local officials for supporting the project.
He emphasized that local government support remains crucial in ensuring health facilities have adequate personnel, proper maintenance and accessible services for residents.
The operationalization of the Malabog Super Health Center is expected to strengthen primary healthcare delivery in Paquibato District, particularly for residents who face difficulties accessing medical services in the city center.