PASAY CITY -- The Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, in coordination with the National Housing Authority, delivered aid to families affected by various disasters and emergencies in Sibagat and San Francisco in Agusan del Sur on Tuesday, July 6.

Go’s staff handed out meals, vitamins, masks and face shields to seven typhoon victims in Sibagat and four fire victims in San Francisco at their respective municipal halls. Each family also received financial assistance through the NHA’s Emergency Housing Assistance Program in a separate distribution.

The same aid had been delivered to 50 disaster victims in Bunawan the previous day, July 5. All activities were carried out in strict compliance with the health and safety protocols against COVID-19.

In a video message, the Senator reminded the public, especially vulnerable sectors who are part of the priority groups, to avail of vaccines against COVID-19 that are provided by the government for free. He also called on concerned officials to bring vaccines directly to those who need them the most and ensure that no one is left behind towards recovery.

“Nag-umpisa na po ang pagbabakuna sa iba’t ibang lugar. Kung nasa priority list kayo, magpabakuna na kayo. Ang bakuna ang susi para makamtan natin ang herd immunity ngayong taong at makabalik tayo sa ating normal na pamumuhay,” said Go.

“Nakikiusap ako sa mga (local government units), magtulungan tayo sa national government. Kung kailangan suyurin natin ‘yung mga senior citizens at may sakit para protektado sila, gawin po natin,” he added.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go also offered assistance to any resident in need of medical care. He informed them that they may also conveniently avail of medical assistance at any of the 127 Malasakit Centers nationwide, including that at the Butuan Medical Center nearest them.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop which brings together the desk representatives of the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

“Walang nasayang mula sa maliit hanggang sa malaking tulong na natanggap namin. Gagamitin namin ang perang ito para muli kaming makakapagpatayo ng bahay. Okay lang maliit basta may bahay,” said Erlinda Apas, one of the beneficiaries.

“Una sa lahat, maraming salamat kay Mayor (Maria) Evangelista at sa aming kapitan dahil hindi nila kami pinabayaan at pinuntahan nila kami agad nung mga oras na ‘yun… wala talagang mapaglagyan ang pasasalamat at kaligayahann namin sa araw na ito. Salamat sa lahat ng tumulong, lalo na kay Kuya Bong Go,” she continued.

The Senator went on to thank the local officials for their continuing service, including Sibagat Mayor Evangelista and Vice Mayor Diosdado Villarivera and San Francisco Mayor Solomon Rufila and Vice Mayor Bernardino Ursos.

He pledged to continue supporting all development efforts in the province, having previously supported the funding for the development of the Sibagat public park and rehabilitation of the Adlayan riverbank flood control structure in San Francisco. (OSBG)