PASAY CITY -- As the COVID-19 crisis still adversely affects the livelihoods of many Filipinos, the Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continues to work closely and coordinate its efforts with government agencies and local partners to aid vulnerable communities in need of government support.

On Monday, July 12, Go’s staff distributed meals, vitamins, masks and face shields to 177 and 188 residents whose lives and livelihoods have been challenged due to the global health crisis at the Claveria and Pamplona municipal gyms, respectively.

The staff equipped select beneficiaries with bicycles, while others were given new pairs of shoes. Some were likewise provided computer tablets to help their children participate in distance learning.

Furthermore, personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development also distributed financial assistance through its Sustainable Livelihood Program to help the residents engage in and maintain thriving livelihoods.

“Layunin ng SLP na mabigyan kayo ng kaukulang suporta upang makapagsimula at magkaroon kayo ng sarili niyong hanapbuhay. Hirap makahanap ng trabaho ngayon, lalo na dahan-dahan pa lang bumabalik ang sigla ng ating ekonomiya,” Go explained in a video message.

“Ngayon, kung may maitutulong pa kami ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa inyo, magsabi lang kayo sa aming opisina. Hindi kami nagpapahinga dahil tuloy-tuloy dapat ang serbisyo, lalo na sa panahon ng krisis,” he reassured.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go offered assistance to those with health-related concerns. He advised them, particularly the poor and indigent, to visit the Malasakit Center at the Cagayan Valley Medical Center in Tuguegarao City where they may avail of medical assistance to cover their hospital and other related expenses.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop which makes it easy to request medical assistance from the relevant agencies, namely, the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. The program, which Go launched in 2018 and subsequently legislated and enacted in 2019, has assisted more than two million patients nationwide with 128 centers already operational across the country.

“Isa akong karpentero at may dalawang anak. Mahirap ang buhay ngayon dahil hindi na kami makapagtrabaho at wala kaming mapasukan na maayos. Humina ang kita ngayong pandemic kaya nagpapasalamat kami sa nakuha naming pera. I-dadagdag ko ito para panghanapbuhay at mabigyan ng mas magandang future ang aking mag-iina,” said Randy Corpuz, 29, a resident of Claveria.

“Mister President at Senator Bong Go, maraming salamat sa tulong na ibinigay niyo para matustusan ang mga pangangailangan ng aking pamilya. Nawa’y pagpalain kayo ng mahal na Panginoon at hindi kayo mag-sawa na tumulong sa mga gaya namin,” he continued.

Concluding his message, the Senator expressed gratitude to several officials for their efforts to help the affected communities. He especially thanked 2nd District Representative Samantha Vargas Alfonso who was represented by Board Member Paul Vargas during the activity, Governor Manuel Mamba, Vice Governor Melvin Vargas Jr., Claveria Mayor Celia Layus as represented by Board Member Archie Layus, and Pamplona Mayor Digna Puzon-Antonio, among others.

To boost the economic opportunities and further improve the delivery of public services in Cagayan, Go, as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, earlier supported the funding for various infrastructure projects such as the construction of the Zinundungan River control system; installation of streetlights in Camalaniugan; as well as improvements of various roads in Aparri, Amulung, Baggao, Calayan, Gonzaga, Iguig, Santa Teresita, Tuao, Santa Ana, and Tuguegarao City; among others.

Go’s team extended similar aid to hundreds of residents in Abulag and Ballesteros the following day, July 13. All activities were carried out in batches and strict compliance with other health and safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19. (OSBG)