By Mariela Angella Oladive
Residents of Pavia no longer need to travel to Iloilo City for basic medical needs following the inauguration of a PHP11-million Super Health Center in Barangay Balabag on April 7.
The facility was funded under the Department of Health’s Health Facility Enhancement Program and facilitated by the Office of Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, chair of the Senate Committee on Health and principal author of the law establishing Super Health Centers nationwide.
The center will provide essential services such as birthing, dental care, immunizations, minor surgery, X-ray, ultrasound and other diagnostics.
Of the total project cost, PHP6 million was allocated for infrastructure and PHP5 million for medical equipment.
Senator Go described the facility as a medium-sized polyclinic aimed at expanding municipal health services in fast-growing areas like Pavia.
“With this facility, it will now be easier for our people in Pavia to access primary health care,” said Iloilo 2nd District Rep. Michael Gorriceta.
He added that residents no longer need to go to the city for basic health concerns.
Gorriceta said the facility will also serve as a hub for Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), addressing the town’s growing population.
The Pavia local government, led by Mayor Luigi Gorriceta, will assign one of three municipal health officers to oversee the center’s operations.
Two full-time doctors will also be deployed to provide services at the facility.
“This Super Health Center is a big help for the residents of Pavia,” said Mayor Gorriceta.
He added that the funding ensures improved access to health care for all.
Also present at the inauguration were Pavia Vice Mayor Edsel Gerochi, officials from the Department of Health, representatives from the Iloilo Provincial Health Office and Dr. Kathy Gorriceta.
The newly inaugurated facility is one of 27 Super Health Centers set to rise across Iloilo province under the government’s effort to bring health services closer to communities.
A local resident expressed gratitude for the initiative, saying free services—especially X-ray and diagnostics—would greatly benefit those who cannot afford private care.
