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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Bong Go lauds signing of 2 laws expanding hospital services in Davao region

Bong Go lauds signing of 2 laws expanding hospital services in Davao region

Published Apr 26, 2025 11:51 am

At A Glance

  • Senator Christopher "Bong" Go hailed the enactment of two new laws aimed at strengthening the public healthcare system in Mindanao.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go hailed the enactment of two new laws aimed at strengthening the public healthcare system in Mindanao.

He described the twin laws as critical to his ongoing efforts to bring quality medical services closer to Filipinos, especially those in underserved areas.

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Senator Christopher “Bong” Go

Signed by President Marcos on April 15, Republic Act (RA) No. 12175 establishes the Santo Tomas Municipal Hospital in Davao del Norte, while RA No.12176 raises the authorized bed capacity of the Tomas Lachica District Hospital in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, from 25 to 50 beds.

Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health and is the principal sponsor of both measures, has underscored the importance of strengthening local hospitals to ensure timely, affordable, and life-saving care for communities in the provinces.

“Hindi lahat ng Pilipino ay kayang bumiyahe ng malayo para magpagamot (Not all Filipinos can afford to travel far for medical treatment),” said Go.

“Kaya mahalagang palakasin ang mga ospital sa mga probinsya para mas mapadali ang pag-access sa serbisyong medikal. D’yan natin tunay na nararamdaman ang malasakit (That’s why it’s important to strengthen hospitals in the provinces to make medical services more accessible. That’s where true compassion is felt),” he added.

The establishment of the Santo Tomas Municipal Hospital under RA No.12175 is expected to ease pressure on nearby health facilities by offering a government-run hospital that directly serves the municipality. The law mandates the allocation of funds for its construction, equipment, and staffing, to be implemented by the Department of Health (DOH) in coordination with the local government.

RA No.12176, on the other hand, addresses the growing demand for medical services in Davao Occidental. By doubling the bed capacity of the Tomas Lachica District Hospital, the law enhances the facility’s ability to admit patients, especially during public health emergencies and periods of high demand.

“Marami pong lugar sa Davao Region ang nangangailangan ng mas malawak na kapasidad sa ospital. Ito pong dagdag na 25 kama ay simpleng numero lang sa papel pero malaking ginhawa ‘yan para sa mga pasyenteng kailangang ma-admit agad (Many areas in the Davao Region are in need of greater hospital capacity. These additional 25 beds may just be numbers on paper, but they bring significant relief to patients who need to be admitted immediately),” explained Go.

These two new laws are part of Go’s legislative agenda to uplift the country’s health infrastructure. Under his leadership as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, 82 laws have been enacted to establish or upgrade public hospitals nationwide. Each law reflects his pursuit of a more inclusive and resilient healthcare system built on compassion, accessibility, and community empowerment.
 

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