Press Release - Bong Go champions progress in health infrastructure in Zamboanga Peninsula by bringing public health services closer to those in need

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go expressed his satisfaction and optimism over the significant advancements in healthcare infrastructure in Region IX, or the Zamboanga Peninsula. These developments have been championed by Go through the form of Regional Specialty Centers, Super Health Centers, and Malasakit Centers, each playing a unique role in strengthening the region's healthcare system.

"Isinulong po natin ang mga ito bilang chairman ng Committee on Health at bahagi ng ating adhikain na mapangalagaan ang kalusugan ng mga kababayan natin lalung-lalo na po ang mga mahihirap, helpless, hopeless at walang malalapitan maliban sa gobyerno," said the senator.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go principally sponsored and is one of the authors of Republic Act No. 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act. The legislation was signed into law by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. on August 24.

"This law represents a substantial move toward enhancing our healthcare capabilities by bringing specialty services closer to the regions," Go emphasized.

"Yung mga taga-Zamboanga, hindi na kailangan bumyahe pa papuntang Maynila o Davao para magpagamot sa puso o iba pang malubhang sakit. Magkakaroon na ng heart center at iba pang specialty centers sa regional hospital sa Zamboanga mismo," he added.

Go is particularly enthusiastic about the comprehensive upgrades planned for the Zamboanga City Medical Center. The facility is slated to house an array of specialty centers, each specializing in a different area of medical expertise.

As proposed by DOH, these will encompass Cardiovascular Care, Renal Care and Transplant, Lung Care, and Orthopedic Care, among others. The center will also offer specialized services in Physical Rehabilitation Medicine, Brain and Spine Care, Mental Health, and Neonatal Care. Additional centers will focus on Toxicology, Cancer Care, Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine, Geriatric Care, and Eye Care.

Go has also been a vocal advocate of establishing more Super Health Centers nationwide, stating, "These centers are essential for decongesting our hospitals and making healthcare more accessible at the