PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go assured that support from government would continue for vulnerable sectors, particularly farmers and fisherfolk affected by the COVID-19 pandemic during a visit to Dauis, Bohol on Friday, July 9. His efforts are in support of a joint relief operation conducted by several government agencies for struggling communities.

“Sa mga kababayan namin dito sa Bohol, magsabi lang kayo at handa kami ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na magserbisyo sa inyo… huwag kayong mahiya na lumapit sa amin kung may maitutulong kami dahil trabaho namin ito,” began Go.

“Nagpapasalamat kami dahil binigyan niyo kami ng pagkakataon para makapagserbisyo sa ating bayan. Binigay ng Diyos ang tsansa na ito kaya hindi namin 'to sasayangin at hindi namin kayo bibiguin. Gagawin namin ang lahat sa abot ng aming makakaya hanggang sa huling araw ng aming termino,” he vowed.

The Senator and his staff distributed meals, food packs, vitamins, masks and face shields to 200 farmers and fisherfolk and 30 former rebels under the Barangay Development Program of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

The activity was held in batches at the municipal gym in compliance with the necessary health and safety protocols against COVID-19.

Furthermore, select recipients also received new pairs of shoes while others were provided bicycles for their daily commuting needs. Others were given computer tablets to help their children study and access educational materials at home.

In addition, personnel from the Department of Agriculture were likewise present to turn over a new fishing boat and fishing nets as part of an ongoing effort to assist vulnerable sectors impacted by COVID-19.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development provided each beneficiary with financial assistance in a separate distribution. The Department of Health, in turn, handed out assorted medicines and assistive walking devices to those in need.

Finally, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority conducted assessments for their respective assistance programs.

“Maraming salamat kay Senador para sa naibigay niya na tulong dito sa aming lugar. Mahirap ngayon kasi wala kaming nahuhuli. May trabaho naman sa amo ko kaya may konting kita ako. Nakaka-survive kami kahit papaano. Iyun lang, mahirap kumikita para sa pambayad sa kuryente at tubig,” said Generoso Tubio, 56.

“Kung pwede akong humiling, gusto ko sana ng bagong makina para sa aking bangka. Malaking tulong ang makina na ito sa aking pangingisda,” he added.

Continuing his message, the Senator urged everyone to keep supporting the country’s COVID-19 response efforts. He announced that Bohol will receive additional doses from the national government as more supplies come in the country.

He reassured that the government is expediting the distribution of the vaccines particularly to the A4 priority group, which includes farmers, fisherfolk, and other essential workers; and will continue to prioritize other poor and vulnerable sectors in accordance with the prioritization framework.

“Mayroon akong good news! Magpapadala ang pamahalaan ng dagdag na 10,000 na bakuna dito sa Bohol para patuloy ang pagbabakuna ninyo. Ituloy niyo lang ito para unti-unti na kayong makapagbukas ng inyong turismo at makabalik sa dati niyong pamumuhay,” encouraged Go.

“Pakiusap lang namin, hangga’t hindi pa natin na-aachieve ang herd immunity sa community level, kailangan pa rin namin ang kooperasyon at tulong niyong lahat para maiwasan ang pagakalat ng sakit,” he added.

To further ensure their health and well-being, Go also assured that his office is ready to help any beneficiary with medical concerns so they can get the treatment they need. He advised them to seek medical assistance at the Malasakit Center at the Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital in Tagbilaran City or the Don Emilio del Valle Memorial Hospital in Ubay.

The center is a one-stop shop which brings together the desk representatives of the DOH, DSWD, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. The Malasakit Center program, which Go legislated in 2019, has assisted more than two million poor and indigent patients nationwide.

To end, the Senator thanked the public officials in attendance for their continuing service to the community, including Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Secretary Michael Lloyd Dino, 1st District Representative Edgardo Chatto, Governor Arthur Yap, Vice Governor Rene Relampagos, Mayor Marietta Sumaylo, Vice Mayor Lulu Bongalos, and the municipal council.

He also acknowledged Tagbilaran City Mayor John Yap, Albur Mayor Don Buates, Alicia Mayor Victoriano Torres, Anda Mayor Metodio Amper, Antequera Mayor Lilioso Nunag, Baclayon Mayor Benecio Uy, Batuan Mayor Antonino Jumawid, Bien Unido Mayor Rene Borenaga, Bilar Mayor Manuel Jayectin, Buenavista Mayor Dave Duallo, Calape Mayor Nelson Yu, Candijay Mayor Christopher Tutor, Catigbian Mayor Elizabeth Mandin, Clarin Mayor Eugene Ibarra, Corella Mayor Dy Tocmo, Cortes Mayor Iven Lim, Dagohoy Mayor Sofronio Apat, Dimiao Mayor Randolph Ang, Duero Mayor Conrada Amparo, Inabanga Josephine Jumamoy as represented by Kagawad Jono Jumamoy, Lila Mayor Jed Piollo, Loay Mayor Hilario Ayuban, Loon Mayor Elvi Relampagos, Panglao Mayor Nila Montero, Pilar Mayor Necitas Cubrado, Sierra Bullones Mayor Simplicio Maestrado, Talibon Mayor Janet Garcia, Ubay Mayor Constantino Reyes, and Valencia Mayor Katrina Lim.

To support the province’s infrastructure development, Go supported the funding for the construction of a new multi-purpose building in Dauis, among others.

He also witnessed the turnover of housing units to the uniformed personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police and disaster victims at the St. Michael Village earlier that day.

Before going to Bohol, he witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony for a joint mass housing project for the AFP and PNP at Barangay Pulangbato in Cebu City. (OSBG)