PASAY CITY -- Following government’s decision to reimpose enhanced community quarantine restrictions in Metro Manila from August 6 to 20, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go vowed to continue advocating for low-income families so that they can get the help they need to overcome the financial strains worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

His team mounted a second relief effort for the low-income families in Caloocan City at the Gregoria de Jesus Elementary School and A. Bonifacio Elementary School on August 3 and 4, respectively. The same activities were held for 2,040 other families at the Grace Park Elementary School on July 27 and 29.

The team distributed meals, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 2,184 beneficiaries over the two-day period. The activities were held in batches to ensure all health and safety protocols against COVID-19 were strictly observed.

Selected recipients received new pairs of shoes while some were provided with bicycles so they can have better access to basic needs and services amid the pandemic. Others were also given computer tablets for their children’s educational needs.

Meanwhile, personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development were also present and handed out financial assistance in a separate distribution.

“Nagtatrabaho ako sa isang kumpanya dati pero nawalan ako ng trabaho nung nagka-pandemya. Naubos ‘yung ipon namin nung nanganak ang asawa ko. Kaya kinapalan ko nalang ang mukha ko at lahat na pinasok at binenta ko para may tustos kami sa pang-araw-araw,” said Ricardo Yumang.

“Masayang-masaya ako dahil nagkaroon ako ng bisikleta. Araw-araw akong nagbibiyahe at pumipila sa bus pero ngayon, sa tulong ni Kuya Bong Go, may sarili na akong transportasyon. Maraming, maraming salamat kay Senator Go at Presidente Rodrigo Duterte para sa tulong nila,” he continued.

To make sure their health concerns are addressed, the Senator offered medical assistance to any poor or indigent patient. He strongly advised them to avail of the services of any of the 26 Malasakit Centers in Metro Manila, including the one in Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital in the said city, where they may conveniently get medical assistance offered by the government.

Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, also known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which primarily aims to help patients cover their medical bills.

“Nasa loob ng ospital ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno na tutulong sa inyo para maging ‘zero balance’ ang inyong billing. Tuloy-tuloy na itong programang dahil para sa amin ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, hindi dapat pinahihirapan ang mga pasyente. Dapat tinulungan natin sila para hindi na sila pumipila sa iba’t ibang ahensya para makahingi ng tulong sa gobyerno,” explained Go.

He went on to urge everyone to abide by and strictly follow the ECQ protocols once in place. In the meantime, Go encouraged those eligible to get vaccinated, and called the attention of the local government to deploy the doses immediately to ensure that no one is left behind in the path to recovery.

“Mga kababayan, kaunting tiis lang. Alam kong nahihirapan kayo. Kailangan natin mag-ingat at hindi natin ma-afford na mapuno ang mga hospital muli at baka bumagsak ang ating health care system,” appealed Go.

“Binabalanse ng gobyerno ang lahat, ang ekonomiya, inyong kabuhayan at kalusugan. So, pakiusap namin ni Pangulong Duterte, maging disiplinado at ‘wag maging kumpiyansa. Magtulungan tayong lahat para malampasan natin ang krisis na ito,” he continued.

Ending his remarks, the Senator thanked various government officials for their hard work and asked them to continue to support their most vulnerable constituents. Among those he especially thanked were Council for the Welfare of Children Undersecretary Mitch Cajayon-Uy, 1st District Representative Dale Malapitan, Mayor Oscar Malapitan and the barangay chairs of Caloocan City.

To support development of Caloocan City, Go earlier supported the funding for the construction of a multi-purpose building in Barangays 171 and 175 as Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. (OSBG)