PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go recognized the sacrifices of rural workers in helping their communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as he delivered a video message during a relief operation in Damulog and Don Carlos, Bukidnon on Friday, July 30.
To honor the efforts of the workers amid the ongoing crisis, Go urged communities not to drop their guard by following the mandated health protocols and reminded them that their cooperation could still determine the course of the country’s pandemic response efforts.
“Mga kababayan, hangga’t nandiyan pa ang COVID-19 ay delikado pa rin ang panahon. Binabalanse ng gobyerno ang lahat ng bagay pero pinaka-importante pa rin ang buhay ng ating mga kababayan,” he began.
“Kaya mag-ingat kayo palagi dahil hindi na natin kakayanin na magsasara na naman ang mga negosyo at tumaas ang bilang ng mga kaso. Mapupuno na naman ang mga ospital at baka bumagsak ang ating healthcare system. Iyan ang iniiwasan natin kaya pakiusap, ‘wag kayong magkumpiyansa habang nagpapabakuna pa tayo,” continued Go.
The Senator’s team distributed meals, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 2,028 beneficiaries, composed of motorela and payong-payong drivers, market vendors and indigenous peoples, at the Damulog municipal gym and Barangay Sinangguyan covered court in Don Carlos.
Selected beneficiaries received new pairs of shoes while some were given bicycles for their commuting needs. Others were provided computer tablets for their children’s educational use under the blended learning approach.
In addition, representatives from various national agencies were also present as part of an ongoing effort by the government to alleviate the impacts of COVID-19 on vulnerable sectors. The Department of Social Welfare and Development distributed financial assistance while the Department of Agriculture handed out vegetable seedlings.
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, in turn, conducted assessments for its scholarship program. The Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Labor and Employment similarly evaluated potential beneficiaries for their respective training and livelihood assistance programs.
“Maraming, maraming salamat sa DSWD, sa mga ibang ahensya, at kay President Rodrigo Duterte para sa mga ayudang natanggap namin dito. Salamat, Senator Bong Go, para sa inyong tulong at aking bagong bike!” said Alma Malopa, a resident of Damulog.
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go encouraged those with medical concerns to seek his assistance and advised them to visit the Malasakit Centers located at the Bukidnon Provincial Hospital in Maramag where they may conveniently seek medical assistance.
The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where patients may conveniently avail medical assistance from various government agencies, namely the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. The Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 was principally authored and sponsored by Go.
