PASAY CITY -- On Monday, July 27, hundreds of micro entrepreneurs in Alfonso Castañeda, Nueva Vizcaya received assistance from the Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on top of those provided by concerned government agencies. In a video message, Go checked on the situation of the residents, and urged those in the priority sectors to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Mga kababayan ko, unti-unti na pong dumarating ang mga bakuna. Pakiusap lang po namin ni Pangulong Duterte sa inyo, magtiwala ho kayo sa bakuna. Huwag ho kayong matakot sa bakuna, matakot ho kayo sa COVID-19. Bagama’t umpisa na po ang bakuna, importante pa rin po disiplina, kooperasyon ng bawat Pilipino,” said Go.

“Huwag ho kayong magkumpiyansa; mag-face mask, face shield, social distancing at hugas ng kamay. Mayroon po bagong variants tulad po ng Delta variant, more contagious po ito. Ibig sabihin, mabilis ang hawaan, delikado po ito. Huwag po nating hintayin na bumagsak ang ating healthcare system,” he added.

The distribution activity was conducted at Alfonso Castañeda Gymnasium in Brgy. Looban where the team of Go distributed meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins to 273 beneficiaries while fully adhering to the government’s recommended safety and health protocols.

Selected recipients received new pairs of shoes and bicycles given limited public transportation options. Others received computer tablets that would help their children participate better during their classes under the blended learning system.

Melona Bering, a 41-year-old solo parent and one of the beneficiaries, thanked Duterte, Go, and the government agencies present for the assistance she received.

“Ito pong natanggap kong tablet, malaki po ang maitutulong nito at mapapakinabangan ng anak kong Grade 9,” Bering said.

“Kay Senador Bong Go po, malaking salamat po sa tulong na naibigay niyo. Sa kay President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, marami pong salamat at natugunan ninyo ang pangangailangan namin. Malaki po ang tulong na naibigay ninyo sa mga gaya namin na nangangailangan ngayon,” she added.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development also provided livelihood assistance through its Sustainable Livelihood Program.

“Salamat po sa DSWD sa programang SLP-LAG. Bibigyan ho kayo ng puhunan, tuturuan po kayong magnegosyo. Palaguin n’yo po ang inyong negosyo, gamitin n’yo po sa tama, dalahin n’yo po sa inyong pamilya ang inyong kita,” Go said in his video message.

The Senator, then, informed the beneficiaries that there are now 130 Malasakit Centers established across the country. He urged them to seek assistance from the Malasakit Center located at the Region II Trauma and Medical Center in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya.

“Mayroon ho kayong Malasakit diyan po sa Region II Trauma and Medical Center in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya na handang tumulong po sa inyo, lapitan niyo lang po ang Malasakit Center. One-stop shop po 'yan, zero balance po ang target ng Malasakit Center,” he added.

To boost economic growth and support the development of the province, Go, also Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, has supported the funding of various projects in Nueva Vizcaya, such as the construction of multipurpose buildings in the towns of Bambang and Villaverde; construction of a municipal building in Kayapa; construction of an evacuation center in Dupax del Sur; concreting of roads in Ambaguio, Diadi, and Dupax del Norte; purchase of a dump truck and a multipurpose vehicle in Quezon; and the construction of potable water supply project in Santa Fe.

He, then, expressed gratitude towards Mayor Wilson M. Capia-ao, Vice Mayor Evelina Huerta, and other local government officials for their untiring support and service to their constituents.

“Mga kababayan ko tandaan natin, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na puwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa Pilipino ay gawin na po natin ngayon dahil hindi na po tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” Go said.

“Kami po ni Pangulong Duterte, patuloy hong magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat, dahil para po sa amin ang serbisyo po sa tao ay serbisyo po 'yan sa Diyos,” he ended. (OSBG)