Bong Go leads SHC groundbreaking

SEN. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Wednesday visited Bulacan where he personally gave recognition to barangay (village) workers in Malolos City and later joined the ceremonial groundbreaking of the Super Health Center (SHC) in Balagtas.

Go acknowledged the hard work and dedication of Bulacan’s barangay workers during the Gawad Galing Barangay event held at the Hiyas Convention Center in Malolos City.

In his speech, Go thanked all of the barangay workers for their immeasurable service and for serving as the bridge for Filipinos to the provincial and national governments.

He also recognized how crucial their roles are for the betterment of society and in bringing government closer to the people.

In line with his commitment to support barangay workers and strengthen the health care system of the country, Go filed Senate Bill 427 which will give allowances and incentives to barangay health workers.

If passed into law, a monthly allowance of P3,000 will be provided to all barangay health workers. They will also be entitled to security of tenure and other benefits and privileges.

Go also recommended that barangay personnel should be provided with compensation comparable with the pay rate of regular government employees.

After the awarding, Go proceeded to Balagtas and personally joined the groundbreaking ceremony of the town’s SHC.

Advocated by Go to bring the government’s health services closer to Filipinos, particularly in rural communities, SHCs will be strategically located in far-flung areas where basic health services will be offered, including database management, outpatient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray and ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit.

Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation center; and telemedicine, where remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will be done.

Go said that seven SHCs will be established in Bulacan, particularly in the towns of Balagtas, Bulakan, Pandi, San Miguel and Guiguinto; and the cities of San Jose del Monte and Meycauayan.

The Department of Health, with the support of Go as chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography and vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, plans to build at least 320 more SHCs in 2023.