On July 13, 2023, a groundbreaking ceremony took place on Barangay La Filipina, Tagum City. This ceremony was celebrated in honor of the establishment of the first Super Health Center in Tagum City. Funded by the DOH (Department of Health) worth 10 million pesos, this initiative’s purpose is to aid our Tagumenyos who are in need by offering quality medical services; enhancing health services, laboratory services, and doctor consultation to the public. This initiative was supported by Senator Bong Go; Provincial Department of Health Office Development Management Officer IV, Ian Patrick Vidal; and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Alfredo Lacerona, accompanied by our Local Chief Executive, Hon. Mayor Rey T. Uy, LGU-Tagum’s councilors and officials, barangay officials and functionaries, and the barangay health workers who has greatly contributed with giving quality medical services. SHCs aim to provide Tagumenyos with access to high-quality healthcare. Usually, hospitals are constructed in urban areas with restricted access to nearby medical services. With the help of Super Health Centers, Tagumenyos seeking medical care can now greatly cut down on travel time as SHCs are now constructed in rural areas giving improved accessibility to the people in Tagum City.
Local Chief Executive, Hon. Mayor Rey. T. Uy, together with Senator Bong Go and officials. Photo by: CIO Tagum
The initiative is also observed by Davao del Norte Vice Governor, De Carlo “Oyo” Uy, the Tingog Partylist, and the officials of Barangay Apokon led by Hon. Bryan Kim Samuel L. Angoy providing financial assistance for the needs through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation Program from the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development).
Super Health Center Rendered Concept. Photo by: CIO Tagum
SHCs (Super Health Centers) as a concept are relatively new. Senator Christopher Go, a strong advocate of accessible healthcare, has been working to build more SHCs across the Philippines. A number of them opened in the Davao del Norte: one built in the City of Tagum, Panabo, Island of Samal, and the small towns like Little Panay and Talaingod, after the first one in Barangay Ising, Municipality of Carmen, Davao del Norte opened its doors in June 13, 2023.
With Super Health Centers, they provide our fellow Tagumenyos’ access and affordability of high-quality healthcare which is a major step of achieving Universal Health Care (UHC) in Tagum City and the Philippines.We give our appreciation and gratitude to Senator Bong Go, our Local Chief Executive: Hon. Mayor Rey T. Uy, the LGU-Tagum, Provincial Department of Health Office Development Management Officer IV: Ian Patrick Vidal; and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Alfredo Lacerona, barangay officials and functionaries, and the barangay health workers for providing easy access to health services for our Tagumenyos.
CHRYZLER DAVE L. CARIAGA
On-the-Job Trainee