PASAY CITY -- As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a detrimental impact on businesses across the country, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s staff organized an activity for the micro-retailers and small entrepreneurs in Dimataling, Zamboanga del Sur who play a critical part in the delivery of essential goods and services in the communities they serve.
The activity was conducted at the Dimataling Gymnasium on Wednesday, July 14, during which Go’s staff distributed meals, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 1,500 beneficiaries. The beneficiaries included street vendors, food stall and sari-sari owners, events personnel, and members of the local Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association.
They also gave select recipients new pairs of shoes so they can work comfortably while some were given bicycles for their daily commuting needs. Others received computer tablets which their children can use for educational purposes.
In a video message, the Senator reminded everyone to follow the government’s protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in order to mitigate its impact on their communities. He strongly advised vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions, to receive their shots for their protection and well-being.
“Alam po namin na mahirap ang panahon ngayon dahil nasa krisis tayo dulot ng pandemic. Mga kababayan, ang bakuna ang pag-asa natin. Magtiwala kayo sa bakuna dahil ito ang tanging susi para unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay,” said Go.
“Target natin makamtan ang population protection at herd immunity bago mag-Disyembre para naman sumaya ang ating Pasko,” he added.
Apart from his team, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development also provided financial assistance in a separate distribution while the Department of Agriculture handed out vegetable seeds. The Department of Health conducted free medical check-ups and gave away additional face masks.
Meanwhile, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority offered free skills training to qualified beneficiaries. The Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Trade and Industry, in turn carried out assessments for their respective assistance programs.
As the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go encouraged those with medical concerns to seek his assistance and, for further aid, counseled them to visit the Malasakit Centers at the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center in Pagadian City and Margosatubig Regional Hospital in Margosatubig town.
The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop wherein patients may seek medical assistance from various government agencies, namely the DOH, DSWD, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
The Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which Go principally authored and sponsored, seeks to make all existing government medical assistance programs accessible by putting the concerned agencies under one roof.
Ending his remarks, Go thanked various public officials for all of their work and dedication at this time. Among those recognized during the activity were 1st District Representative Divina Yu, 2nd District Rep. Leonardo Babasa Jr., Governor Victor Yu, Vice Governor Roseller Ariosa, and Board Members John Regala, Jennifer Mariano, Marilou Abrenica, Raul Famor and Ronaldo Poloyapoy.
