PASAY CITY -- As the global pandemic continues to hamper the economy, especially small businesses, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go remains persistent in bringing necessary support to vulnerable sectors to help them overcome the challenges and hasten their recovery.

On Wednesday, July 21, Go’s staff ensured a well-organized distribution as they divided the 1,313 beneficiaries into groups and conducted two simultaneous relief efforts at Tudela Sports Complex in Tudela and Northwestern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology in Tangub City.

In a video call, Go gave recognition to the thousands of vendors from the municipalities of Clarin, Don Victoriano and Sinacaban, and Tangub City as they continue to provide and look after their communities amidst the pandemic. He, then, encouraged the public to immediately get vaccinated as this is the country’s key to returning to normalcy.

The Senator also urged the local government units and concerned authorities in charge of the vaccination program to immediately roll out the vaccines once doses are delivered to their area.

“Mayroon lang kaming pakiusap sa inyo ni Presidente Duterte, umpisa na ang pagbabakuna ngayon. Kung nasa priority list na kayo, pakiusap namin sa inyo, magtiwala tayo sa bakuna dahil ang bakuna ang tanging susi o solusyon para unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa normal natin na pamumuhay,” expressed Go.

As the health and well-being of the Filipinos remain on top of his priorities, Go, who is also chair of the Senate Committee on Health, offered assistance to the beneficiaries with health concerns as he informed them that they may visit the Malasakit Center located at Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Medical Center in Ozamiz City.

A one-stop shop for low-income Filipinos, the Malasakit Center provides convenient access to medical programs offered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

“’Wag kayong mag-alala diyan sa Misamis Occidental. Andito lang kami ni Presidente Duterte, handa kaming tumulong sa inyong lahat sa abot ng aming makakaya. Magsusumikap kami para sa inyong lahat,” said Go.

Meanwhile, during the distribution activities, Go’s personnel provided beneficiaries with meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins. Furthermore, some vendors received new pairs of shoes while others were given bicycles to ease their commute given that public transportation options remain limited.

As schools implement the blended learning approach, select recipients were also provided with computer tablets to help their children engage better during their classes.

“Sa mga kabataan, kayo ang kinabukasan ng bayan natin kaya pakiusap ko lang sa inyo, mag-aral kayo ng mabuti,” said Go.

Go, then, thanked several government agencies for providing additional assistance to further help them recover from the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

Representatives from DSWD granted each beneficiary with livelihood assistance grants through its Sustainable Livelihood Program. The DOH gave away hygiene kits while the Department of Agriculture provided supplies of plant seeds.

The Department of Labor and Employment, and the Department of Trade and Industry both conducted on-site evaluations where qualified recipients can benefit from their respective livelihood programs.

Furthermore, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority identified beneficiaries for their scholarship grants.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go extended his support for the construction of a multi-purpose building, and road construction along Mt. Malindang Eco-Tourism Bypass Highway in Tudela.

Go also helped in the funding for the rehabilitation of roads in Aloran, Bonifacio, Calamba, Clarin, Don Victoriano, Jimenez, Ozamiz City, Sapang Dalaga, and Sinacban; construction of multi-purpose buildings in Concepcion, Jimenez, Ozamiz City, Plaridel, Tangub City, and Oroquieta City; and installation of streetlights in Ozamiz City and Tangub City, and along national highways and provincial roads.

The Senator, then, commended the local government officials for working hand-in-hand to ensure that their respective communities build back better amid crisis situations. Among the officials were Representative Henry Oaminal, Tudela Mayor Samuel Parojinog, Clarin Mayor Glory Fe Roa, Sinacban Mayor Dello Lood, Don Victoriano Mayor Bertuldo Murallon Jr., and many others.

“Tandaan ninyo mga taga-Mindanao, magkakapitbahay lang tayo, mahal namin kayo ni Presidente Duterte,” said Go.

“Kami ni Presidente Duterte, patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil para sa amin ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo din sa Diyos,” he ended. (OSBG)