PASAY CITY -- As part of his continuous effort to help vulnerable communities cope with the challenges brought about by the global pandemic, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go extended his assistance to hundreds of micro-entrepreneurs in Parañaque City on July 22 and 23.

Through his video message, he encouraged the beneficiaries with health concerns, particularly the poor and indigent, to conveniently avail of the medical assistance offered through the Malasakit Centers program.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go principally authored and sponsored Republic Act No. 11463, otherwise known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 that primarily aims to help indigent patients lower their medical bills.

Go, then, reminded the beneficiaries to stay vigilant and strictly comply with health preventive measures as there are reported local transmission cases of the more contagious Delta variant of COVID-19.

“Huwag tayong maging kumpiyansa. Kailangan namin ni Pangulong Duterte ang tulong ng bawat Pilipino. Kailangan po dito disiplinado tayo at huwag tayong maging kumpiyansa hangga’t hindi natin nakakamtan ang population protection at herd immunity,” said Go.

“Kung mahal n’yo po ang inyong mga anak, mahal n’yo po ang inyong mga pamilya, pakiusap lang po sa inyo, magpabakuna na ho kayo. Magtiwala ho kayo sa bakuna, huwag ho kayong matakot sa bakuna,” he reminded.

Conducted at the ROMVI Gymnasium in Barangay Moonwalk, Go’s staff implemented strict safety and health protocols to safeguard the 500 micro-entrepreneurs who received meals, masks, face shields, vitamins, and other forms of aid from his office.

Some recipients were also given new pairs of shoes and bicycles while others received computer tablets to help their children access educational materials.

Go’s team grouped the beneficiaries into smaller batches per day for more efficient distribution and to further avoid the spread of the virus.

Furthermore, the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided each beneficiary with livelihood assistance grants through its Sustainable Livelihood Program.

“Meron po akong maliit na tindahan at nagbebenta rin po ako ng ulam. Naubos po ang aking puhunan nitong pandemya kaya po ‘yung binigay sa akin ay gagamitin ko pong pang puhunan ulit. Kaya maraming salamat po, Senator Go, sa tulong na ito,” said Elisa Garcia, a 65-year-old beneficiary.

Continuing his remarks, Go expressed his gratitude towards Representatives Eric Olivarez and Joy Myra Tambunting, Mayor Edwin Olivarez, Vice Mayor Rico Golez, and other local government leaders for making certain that their community fully recovers amid the crisis.

As the Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance seeking to further boost the economic development and improve basic services of Parañaque City, Go supported the construction of multi-purpose buildings in several barangays, and the purchase of one ambulance unit.

He also extended his support for the construction of multi-purpose buildings in Caloocan City, Manila City, and Quezon City; procurement of ambulance units in Navotas City, and Valenzuela City; rehabilitation of roads and drainage in Quezon City; construction of a stand-alone Dialysis Clinic in the Bureau of Corrections, Muntinlupa City; and hospital improvements and acquisition of new medical equipment for Rizal Medical Center in Pasig City.

“Tandaan po natin, minsan lang po tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na puwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa tao, sa ating kapwa Pilipino ay gawin na po natin ngayon,” Go ended. (OSBG)