PASAY CITY -- As Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expands his outreach program to the country’s struggling communities, he sent aid to a hundred farmers and fisherfolk in Socorro, Surigao del Norte on Monday, July 5.

Go’s team conducted the distribution activity at Brgy. Taroc Covered Court where they strictly implemented safety and health protocols as they grouped the beneficiaries into smaller batches to further prevent the spread of the virus.

Recipients, then, received various essentials, such as meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins. Additionally, Go’s staff handed out new pairs of shoes to some beneficiaries that they can use.

Considering that access to public transportation remains limited, the Senator also sent bicycles to selected recipients to help ease their commute situations.

In his video message, Go expressed his commitment to provide poor and indigent students the access to quality education as select beneficiaries received computer tablets to help their children pursue their studies while under the blended learning set-up implemented in schools.

He reassured the beneficiaries that the government continues to exert efforts to provide sufficient and safe vaccines for the Filipinos. Go, then, encouraged everyone to get inoculated as soon as they become eligible in compliance with the national vaccination program guidelines.

“Huwag ho kayong matakot sa bakuna, matakot ho kayo sa COVID-19. Bakuna po ang kailangan natin ngayon para po makamtan natin ang herd immunity ngayong taong ito para naman po sumaya ang ating Pasko,” said Go.

“Magpabakuna na ho kayo, kung mahal n’yo po ang inyong mga pamilya dapat po’y protektado kayo. Magtiwala ho kayo sa bakuna,” he added.

To further help the beneficiaries recover, several government agencies were also in attendance and provided additional assistance to the farmers and fisherfolk.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development granted financial assistance to each beneficiary, while the Department of Health gave supplies of assorted medicines. In turn, the Department of Agriculture provided packs of vegetable seeds.

Staff from the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Department of Labor and Employment evaluated recipients who can benefit from their respective livelihood programs.

Meanwhile, scholarship grants and livelihood trainings await recipients who were evaluated by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

In addition, more forms of support were provided through the Aid and Humanitarian Operations Nationwide Convergence Program as part of the government’s commitment to support affected communities during times of calamities and emergencies.

Go, then, reached out to beneficiaries with health concerns who are reluctant to seek medical attention as he encouraged them to visit Siargao Island Medical Center in Dapa, Siargao Island where there is a Malasakit Center that will assist in their medical expenses.

“Mga kababayan ko, kung kailangan niyo ng tulong sa pagpapa-ospital, puntahan lang ninyo ang Malasakit Center, batas na ito at nasa loob na ng ospital ang apat na ahensya ng gobyerno, Philealth, PCSO, DOH, DSWD, na handang tumulong sa inyo hangang maging zero balance ang inyong billing. Para ito sa mga poor and indigent patients, puntahan lang ninyo,” Go said.

Apart from the assistance provided, Go also conveyed his support for several road constructions and rehabilitations in Socorro, including roads in Brgy. Sudlon, Brgy. Navarro, Brgy. Nueva Estrella, and many more, as part of his pledge to accelerate economic development in all regions.

Furthermore, the Senator earlier sponsored the Republic Act No. 11500 which seeks to improve the capabilities of Siargao Island Medical Center by increasing its bed capacity, upgrading its healthcare services and facilities, and authorizing to employ more medical personnel.

Go commended Representative Francisco Jose “Bingo” Matugas, Governor Francisco Matugas, Mayor Felizardo Galanida, Vice Mayor Gilberto Dacera and other local officials for providing much needed support to help their community build back better.

“Mga kababayan ko, marami pong nawalan ng trabaho, marami pong nagsara na negosyo, marami pong naghihirap sa panahon ngayon. Magtulungan lang po tayo mga kababayan ko,” Go ended. (OSBG)