PASAY CITY -- The Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go conducted distribution activities on Friday, July 30, to aid 336 Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association members in Pasig City.

During the distribution, the Senator sent a video message to the beneficiaries, praising the tricycle drivers and operators for continuing to work for their families and serve their communities amid these trying times.

“Alam ko pong mahirap ang panahon ngayon. Napakahirap. Marami pong nawalan ng trabaho, marami pong nagsara na negosyo, ‘yung mga ruta ninyo medyo hirap po talaga. Magtulungan lang po tayo,” Go expressed.

The aid distribution was held at the Greenwood Executive Village Basketball Court where Go’s staff grouped the beneficiaries into smaller batches and implemented necessary safety and health protocols to safeguard the well-being of the TODA members as they were provided with meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins.

The Senator also provided computer tablets to select beneficiaries to help their children participate better in their classes under the blended learning set-up. In addition, some beneficiaries were also provided with new pairs of shoes while others received bicycles.

“Sa mga estudyante, sa mga anak n’yo po, mag-aral sana sila nang mabuti. Sila po ang kinabukasan ng bayang ito,” expressed Go.

Furthermore, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development gave each beneficiary financial assistance through their Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa kanila na kahit papaano, malaking tulong po itong ibinigay na ayuda sa amin,” said Rosalina Zapanta, one of the beneficiaries.

As the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go authored and sponsored the Malasakit Centers Act that was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2019. The Senator encouraged those who need medical assistance to visit the nearest Malasakit Center in Rizal Medical Center in Pasig City, or any of the many Malasakit Centers throughout Metro Manila.

To date, there are 132 Malasakit Centers nationwide. Go authored and sponsored the Malasakit Centers Act in the Senate which was enacted into law in 2019.

Meanwhile, Go encouraged the TODA beneficiaries to get vaccinated as they are now eligible under the national vaccination program, saying, “magtiwala ho kayo sa bakuna. Huwag ho kayong matakot sa bakuna. Ang bakuna po ang tanging susi o solusyon para unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay.”

Go also recognized Mayor Vico Sotto, Vice Mayor Iyo Caruncho Bernardo and other local government officials for their determination to help their community recover amid economic challenges caused by the health crisis.

“Kami po ang magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan n’yo po kami ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo po sa inyong lahat. Kaya hinding-hindi namin sasayangin ang pagkakataon na ‘yan,” Go ended. (OSBG)