PASAY CITY -- As the country gradually reopens its economy, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continues his dedication to help in the recovery of various sectors as he extended assistance to thousands of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association members, carenderia and sari-sari store operators, ambulant vendors, and event personnel in Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur on Monday, July 12.
“Mga TODA Members, event personnel, mga carenderia at sari-sari store operators, and ambulant vendors, alam ko na mahirap ang panahon ngayon, mahirap ang pamumuhay, marami ang nawalan ng trabaho, magtulungan lang tayo,” Go expressed in his video message.
Go also took the opportunity to encourage those belonging in the priority sectors to get vaccinated immediately especially economic frontliners in order to protect themselves and their communities from the threats of COVID-19. He emphasized that getting vaccinated will help reopen the economy.
“Kaya mga kababayan, kung gusto n’yo na pong makalabas nang mas maayos, kung gusto n’yo na pong makabiyahe, pakiusap ko lang po na magpabakuna na kayo at kumpletuhin ninyo ang doses ninyo. Dalawang saksak lang po ito, kumpara sa mas masakit na swab test, at higit pa sa lahat, sa sakit at kumplikasyon na dulot ng COVID-19. Kapag na bakunado na kayo, mas makakabiyahe na po kayo,” he said.
“Ngunit habang unti-unti nating niluluwagan ang health protocols, iginigiit ko po na nananatiling prayoridad ng pamahalaan ang kaligtasan at kalusugan ng bawat mamamayan. Kaya, kagaya ng sinasabi ko po lagi, sumunod at makipagtulungan po tayo sa mga awtoridad,” he added.
The Senator’s team handed out meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins to 1,500 beneficiaries who were grouped into smaller batches to safeguard their well-being as they followed necessary safety and health protocols during the distribution activity conducted at the Pitogo Gymnasium.
In addition, select recipients were given new pairs of shoes and bicycles that they can use to conveniently commute amid limited public transportation options.
As an advocate for quality education, Go sent computer tablets to some beneficiaries which their children could use to easily access educational materials for their classes under the blended learning set-up.
“Focus tayo na malampasan itong krisis na ito. At focus tayo sa pagresolba nitong pandemya at ito pong economic crisis na ating kinakaharap,” said Go.
Apart from the assistance given by the Senator, Go lauded several government agencies for extending additional support to help economic essential workers to further boost their living conditions amid the global pandemic.
Representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development gave financial assistance to every single beneficiary through their Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.
The Department of Agriculture, in turn, provided packs of seeds while the Department of Health supplied more masks, and even conducted an on-site medical check-up.
