Bong Go inspects Lanao del Sur Provincial Hospital in Marantao, underscoring importance of healthcare access in the grassroots

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go lauded the Lanao del Sur Provincial Hospital in Marantao during his recent visit on Monday, February 10, emphasizing the vital role of infrastructure development in uplifting grassroots communities and strengthening the healthcare sector. 

As Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has consistently supported initiatives aimed at improving public health services, particularly in underserved areas.

During his visit, Go underscored the importance of enhancing medical facilities to ensure that residents have better access to quality healthcare services. 

“Ang maayos at kumpletong ospital ay mahalaga upang makapagbigay ng agarang medikal na pangangalaga, lalo na sa mga komunidad na may limitadong access sa serbisyong pangkalusugan. Ang pagpapalakas ng ating sektor ng kalusugan ay isa sa mga importanteng paraan upang mapabuti natin ang buhay ng ating mga kababayan,” he said.

The provincial hospital in Marantao is among several key projects in Lanao del Sur that aim to address the needs of local communities by enhancing public infrastructure. Apart from healthcare developments, Go has supported various initiatives in the province, such as the construction and improvement of multi-purpose buildings, barangay roads, evacuation centers, and other essential facilities.

Several municipalities in Lanao del Sur, including Balabagan, Balindong, Bayang, Picong, and Poona Bayabao, have also benefitted from the establishment of new Super Health Centers which Go has consistently advocated for. These centers are designed to serve as primary healthcare hubs, providing essential medical services to residents while easing the burden on larger hospitals. 

Go has also expressed his continued advocacy for local infrastructure development in grassroots communities, stressing that these projects play a crucial role in economic growth and social progress.

In addition to health-related projects, Go’s support has extended to education and governance infrastructure. Among the initiatives he backed in the province are the construction of municipal halls, public markets, and multi-purpose buildings in areas such as Butig, Ganassi, Kapatagan, Lumbaca Unayan, and Malabang.

As part of his continuous efforts to improve healthcare accessibility, Go also attended the launch of the 167th Malasakit Center at Tamparan District Hospital on the same day. Malasakit Centers serve as one-stop shops where indigent patients can conveniently access medical financial assistance from various government agencies.

The Malasakit Centers program institutionalized through Republic Act No. 11463, was principally authored and sponsored by Senator Go. It integrates the medical assistance programs of four key government agencies—the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO)—under one roof, simplifying the process for patients seeking financial aid.

"Napakahirap nang may sakit, tapos idadagdag pa 'yung gastos at pahirapan pang humingi ng tulong. Dito sa Malasakit Center, hindi mo na kailangang lumapit sa iba't ibang opisina dahil nandito na ang apat na ahensya sa isang kwarto sa loob ng ospital para tumulong sa'yo," Senator Go explained when he was invited to the inauguration as Chairman of the Senate Health Committee.

With the continued expansion of these vital programs, residents of Lanao del Sur stand to benefit from more accessible and efficient public services, paving the way for a more resilient and progressive province.

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