PASAY CITY -- As the global pandemic continues to hit more vulnerable sectors in the country, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go sent his team to provide assistance to hundreds of economic frontliners in Malitbog, Bukidnon on Tuesday, July 27.

Go, in a virtual message, gave recognition to 498 beneficiaries, composed of 436 market vendors and 62 farmers, for their great contribution to the country’s economy even in the height of crisis.

Held at their municipal gym, Go’s team ensured safety and health protocols were observed while they handed out meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins during the distribution activity.

Additionally, new pairs of shoes and bicycles were given to selected recipients while others received computer tablets to give their children the advantage as they pursue their education under the blended learning approach.

“Sa mga kabataan, mag-aral ho kayo ng mabuti. Bagama’t distance learning pa po ngayon dahil hindi po kami papayag ni Pangulong Duterte na isugal po ang buhay ng bata,” said Go.

“Ang importante sa amin ni Pangulong Duterte ang kalusugan at buhay ng bawat kabataan, ng bawat Pilipino,” he added.

Several government agencies were also present during the said event as the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided them with grocery packs and financial assistance while the Department of Agriculture gave supplies of plant seeds.

Meanwhile, staff from the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Trade and Industry evaluated beneficiaries who will be given the opportunity to take part in their respective livelihood programs.

Lastly, scholarship grants await qualified individuals who were determined by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

As they continue to work hard and provide for their community, Go reminded the beneficiaries to look after their health and well-being. He, then, encouraged the essential workers saying that they may visit the nearest Malasakit Center in Bukidnon Provincial Hospital in Maramag if they may need medical attention.

The center is a one-stop shop designed to provide medical assistance to indigent patients and help them reduce their medical expenses to the lowest amount possible. To date, there are 130 Malasakit Centers nationwide.

The Senator also pushed the market vendors and farmers to participate in the national vaccination program as they are part of the A4 priority group.

Go, then, appealed to the local government units to ensure that vaccines are deployed immediately as soon as their communities receive the doses to ensure no vaccines will go to waste.

“Ang bakuna po ang tanging susi o solusyon para unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay. Ang atin pong minimithi ay population protection at herd immunity po para hindi na po kumalat ang sakit na COVID-19,” said Go.

The Senator extended his gratitude towards Governor Jose Ma. Zubiri Jr., Mayor Osmundo dela Rosa, Vice Mayor Cindy Aritrangco, the councilors and barangay officials, and other local government officials, for leading their community to recovery amid the global pandemic.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go helped in several infrastructure projects in the municipality, such as the rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads in Brgys. San Luis, and Sampiano; construction of Municipal Health Center in Brgy. Poblacion; and construction of water system in Brgy. San Luis.

He likewise supported the construction and improvements of missing road links in Baungon, Libona and Talakag; access road leading to the Bukidnon Airport; farm-to-market and local roads in Cabanglasan, Kadingilan, Kibawe, Kitaotao, Lantapan, San Fernando, Talakag and Valencia City; and other road linkages around the province.

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