PASAY CITY -- Senator and Chair of the Senate Committee on Health Christopher “Bong” Go continues to push for a whole-of-nation approach against the pandemic to ensure the country achieves population protection leading to herd immunity as soon as possible.
In his video message during a relief operation his team organized at Rosario, Northern Samar on Wednesday, July 28, Go called the attention of the national government to make certain that vaccines are delivered to local government units, especially to underprivileged communities, immediately as more supplies arrive in the country.
The Senator, then, appealed to the 180 residents in attendance at Rosario Municipal Gym, to be responsible citizens and participate in the national vaccination program, saying, “Ang importante makamtan muna natin ‘yung population protection at herd immunity po para naman po sumaya na po ang ating Pasko at makabalik na tayo sa normal na pamumuhay tulad noon.”
To ensure a well-organized distribution, Go’s personnel implemented necessary safety and health protocols and grouped the beneficiaries into smaller batches as they received meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins.
New pairs of shoes and bicycles were also given to select recipients while others were presented with computer tablets, an essential tool for their children’s education as they study under the blended learning approach implemented in schools.
Several government agencies also extended their aid to further help them recover from the national health crisis.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development provided each recipient with livelihood assistance grants through their Sustainable Livelihood Program.
Staff from the Department of Trade and Industry determined individuals who can take part in their Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa Program while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority offered scholarship grants to qualified recipients.
A mother of four children, Rosana Fortes conveyed her gratitude towards Senator Go and further shared that she will use the given assistance to set-up a small livestock business.
“Maraming salamat po sa ayudang natanggap po namin. Magtatayo po ako ng maliit na babuyan para po makatulong sa pagaaral ng dalawang anak ko sa college,” said Fortes.
Go also reached out to residents with health concerns as he advised them to have a medical check-up at Northern Samar Provincial Hospital in Catarman where there is Malasakit Center available to assist them with their medical expenses.
A one-stop shop, the Malasakit Center puts under one roof concerned agencies, such as DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, to provide poor and indigent patients the access to quality healthcare services.
“Batas na po ‘yan, isinulong ko noon, pinirmahan ni Pangulong Duterte, para po ‘yan sa poor and indigent patients. Lapitan n’yo lang po ang Malasakit Center diyan po sa inyong lugar,” expressed Go.
Go also mentioned several infrastructure projects he supported in the municipality to further boost its economic development. Among the projects are the installation of street lights, and construction of a multi-purpose building.
