PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go encouraged Filipinos to stay vigilant, cooperate with authorities, and support the government’s response efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 amid the emergence of new and more contagious variants of the virus.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, he stressed the need for stricter implementation of health guidelines as well as patience and discipline among citizens. These are to reduce the number of COVID-19-related hospitalizations and deaths by continuing to exercise the mandatory precautionary measures imposed by the government as recommended by health experts.

In a video message at a joint relief operation in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur on Tuesday, July 20, Go also called for continued bayanihan efforts in communities to keep people safe while being able to respond to the daily needs of vulnerable sectors amid the hardships caused by the pandemic.

“Lagi natin alalahanin na hindi kaya ng gobyernong mag-isa ang laban kontra pandemya. Hindi rin kakayanin ng mga frontliners kung patuloy na dadami ang kailangang dalhin sa mga ospital. Preventing the spread of COVID-19 starts with us by being responsible citizens and following health and safety protocols," said Go.

“Let us remain vigilant at sumunod sa mga patakaran. Ugaliing magsuot ng mask, mag-social distancing, maghugas ng kamay at kung hindi kailangang lumabas ay manatili nalang sa bahay upang maiwasan ang hawaan ng sakit,” he added.

The Senator’s staff distributed meals, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 1,812 beneficiaries, composed of former rebels, fishermen and members of the Agora Market Vendors Association, at the C3 - City Commercial Center.

Select beneficiaries received new pairs of shoes so they can work in comfort while some were equipped with bicycles for their daily commutes. Others were given computer tablets which their children can use for their blended learning activities.

“Maraming, maraming salamat kay Senator Bong Go at Presidente Rodrigo Duterte sa lahat ng tulong na kanilang ibinigay, lalong-lalo na sa bike! Malaking tulong ito sa mga gaya naming lubos na naghihirap nang dahil sa pandemya. Salamat po!” said Manuel Dabon, a beneficiary.

As part of a holistic set of intervention measures for communities in crisis, personnel from various government agencies were likewise present to provide other forms of assistance.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development distributed financial assistance while the Department of Agriculture handed out vegetable seedlings. The Department of Health carried out free medical check-ups and gave away additional masks.

In addition, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority offered free skills training to beneficiaries seeking alternative livelihood opportunities. The Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Trade and Industry, in turn, assessed potential beneficiaries for their respective assistance programs.

To further ensure their health and well-being, Go also offered assistance to those needing medical care and advised them to visit the Malasakit Center at the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center in the said city or at the Margosatubig Regional Hospital in Margosatubig town.

The Malasakit Centers program, which Go launched in 2018 and was enacted into law in 2019 through a measure he authored and sponsored in the Senate, aims to improve the delivery of medical assistance to particularly poor and indigent patients by bringing together the relevant government agencies under one roof. The agencies include the DOH, DSWD, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Ending his remarks, Go expressed gratitude to various officials for their hard work and dedication, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among those present during the activity were 1st District Representative Divina Yu, Governor Victor Yu, Vice Governor Roseller Ariosa, Mayor Samuel Co and Vice Mayor Maphilindo Obaob.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, the Senator earlier supported the funding for the construction of a multi-purpose building in Pagadian City as well as the provision of a new ambulance.

He also supported other projects in Zamboanga del Sur, such as the construction of multi-purpose buildings in Aurora, Dimataling, Dinas, and Kumalarang; construction of the Midsalip-Buboan Road and local road in Mahayag; concreting of farm-to-market roads in Dimataling, Dinas, Dumalinao, and Midsalip; road concreting in Dimataling, Kumalarang and Molave; concreting of the coastal highway in Lapuyan; rehabilitation of the flood control structure along the Lanao - Pagadian - Zamboanga City Road; installation of street lights in Guipos; improvement of the water system in Josefina; and improvement of infrastructure and provision of medical equipment to Margosatubig Regional Hospital.

Similar distribution activities were held for other pandemic-hit workers in Aurora, Dimataling, Labangan, and Tambulig from July 14 to July 20. Each activity was held in small batches to ensure the strict observance of the health and safety protocols against COVID-19. (OSBG)