PASAY CITY -- As vaccines become more widely available in cities and provinces across the country, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reminded unvaccinated members of the A1 to A5 priority groups to get inoculated as his team held an activity to help vulnerable residents of Candaba, Pampanga on Monday, July 12.

“Gusto kong pasalamatan ang mga health workers at volunteers sa inyong vaccination sites. Maraming salamat sa sakripisyo niyo sa panahong ito. Kailangan namin ni Pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte ang tulong ng bawat Pilipino para malampasan natin ang krisis na ito,” Go began in a video message.

“Kaya mag-focus muna tayo dito sa pagbabakuna at pagreresolba nitong pandemya at economic crisis. Mamaya na ang pulitika dahil baka wala na tayong pulitikang pag-uusapan ‘pag hindi natin malampasan ito. Dapat tayong magtulungan dahil ang kapakanan ng bawat Pilipino ang nakataya rito,” he continued.

The Senator’s team provided meals, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 2,352 beneficiaries at the Mayor’s Action Center and Facoma Covered Court Sitio 3. The beneficiaries included farmers, laborers, market vendors, senior citizens and members of Bantay Bayan and the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association.

Select beneficiaries also received new pairs of shoes while others were given bicycles to help improve their access to basic services. Some were likewise provided computer tablets which their children can use for their activities under the blended learning approach.

As part of the government’s response to help sectors challenged by the ongoing pandemic, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development also distributed financial assistance through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.

“Nagpapasalamat ako kay Senator Bong Go at Presidente Duterte para sa tulong na ibinigay nila, gaya ng mga vitamins at pagkain. Masaya ako dahil nakatanggap ako ng bagong bisikleta. Magagamit 'to ng mga anak ko ‘pag bumukas muli ang mga paaralan,” said Elvira Lasa, 37.

As the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go encouraged the residents to also inform themselves about the vaccines by learning about their safety, effectiveness and availability as provided by the government.

“Huwag tayo maging kumpiyansa. Marami ang hindi pa nababakunahan kaya dapat protektahan natin sila. Sa mga nabakunahan na ng one dose, bumalik kayo for the second dose. Importante ang pag-iingat at disiplina sa sarili para maiwasan ang pagkalat ng sakit,” stressed Go.

To those with other medical concerns, the Senator also offered his assistance so they can obtain the treatments or services that they need. He advised them to visit the Malasakit Centers at the Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital in San Fernando City and Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center in Angeles City to conveniently avail of medical assistance.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop which brings together the government agencies from which Filipinos may seek medical assistance, namely the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. It aims to reduce a hospital bill to the lowest amount possible by covering patient services and expenses.

To end, Go thanked various officials for providing for the needs of their vulnerable constituents. The officials included Patrol Party List Representative Jorge Bustos, Governor Dennis Pineda, Vice Governor Lilia Pineda, Mayor Rene Maglanque, Vice Mayor Michael Sagum, and the members of the municipal council.

To boost the economic opportunities and further improve the delivery of public services in Candaba, Go, as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, has supported the funding for the construction of a two-storey multi-purpose building in Brgy. Mapaniqui; concreting of the barangay road in Brgy. Pulong Palazan; and various local education, health and social protection programs and projects in the province.

The Senator likewise supported the funding for the construction of multi-purpose buildings in Arayat, Floridablanca, Guagua, Lubao, Mabalacat, Macabebe, Magalang, Masantol, Mexico, Minalin, San Ildefonso and San Fernando City.

For healthcare, Go pushed for improvements in the Diosdado P. Macapagal Memorial Provincial Hospital; purchase of equipment for the Dr. Emigdio C. Cruz Sr. Memorial Hospital in Arayat, Romana Pangan District Hospital in Floridablanca, Diosdado P. Macapagal Memorial Hospital in Guagua, Escolastica Romero District Hospital in Lubao, Domingo B. Flores District Hospital in Macabebe, Dr. Andres J. Luciano District Hospital in Magalang, and Jose Songco Lapid District Hospital in Porac.

Last June 8, the Senator’s team also extended aid to 200 displaced young workers in Angeles City. All activities were conducted in batches to ensure strict adherence to the government’s health and safety protocols against COVID-19. (OSBG)