PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher "Bong" Go appealed for stronger adherence to government-mandated health protocols, warning Filipinos about the possibility of more contagious COVID-19 variants emerging that could eventually prolong the crisis. He advised that discipline and cooperation in communities are crucial to stop the spread of COVID-19.
On Friday, August 6, Go sent a video message which was played at a relief effort in Banisilan, North Cotabato spearheaded by his team, reminding essential workers to take the required steps to keep their communities thriving while promoting the safety and well-being of its citizens.
“Mga kababayan ko, mag-ingat pa rin tayo dahil mayro’ng mga naiuulat na mga bagong variants, katulad ng Delta variant na four times more contagious kaysa sa naunang strain. Kaya nga nag-reimpose tayo ng (enhanced community quarantine) sa Metro Manila at iba pang lugar para maagapan ‘yung pagkalat ng sakit na ito,” began Go.
”Kumbaga, kung mayroong sunog, dapat maaga pa lang patayin kaagad ito bago pa kumalat at hindi na natin ito ma-control. Mas delikado na bumagsak ang ating healthcare system. Iyan ang iniiwasan natin ang napupuno ‘yung mga hospital at hindi mabibigyan ng kaukulang atensyon o medical care ang mga kababayan natin,” he added.
Moreover, Go reminded everyone to do their part to help flatten the curve so the health system can manage cases more effectively and save more lives.
"Ginabalanse sa gobyerno ang tanan pero mas importante ang kinabuhi sa atong mga kaigsoonan. Amping mo pirme. Dili na nato kayanon magsara na pud ang mga negosyo, mutaas na pud ang kaso, mapuno na pud ang mga ospital, mubagsak ang atong healthcare system. Mao na ang atong ginalikayan. Palihug lang habang gapabakuna mo, ayaw kumpiyansa," he continued.
(Trans.: “Binabalanse ng gobyerno ang lahat pero mas importante ang buhay ng mga kapatid natin. Mag-ingat palagi. Hindi na natin kakayanin na magsarado na naman ang mga negosyo, mapuno na naman ang mga ospital, babagsak ang ating healthcare system. Iyan ang ating iniiwasan. Kaya habang nagpapabakuna kayo, huwag magkumpiyansa.”)
Meanwhile, the Senator’s team distributed meals, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 370 workers, composed of farmers, vendors and members of the Skylab (or habal-habal) Drivers and Operators Association at the Banisilan Grandstand.
Selected recipients received new shoes, while others were given bicycles. Another set of workers was given computer tablets for their children’s educational needs.
Personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Department of Labor and Employment provided separate financial assistance through their Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged / Displaced Workers programs, respectively.
The Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, in turn, conducted assessments of potential beneficiaries for their respective livelihood assistance and skills training programs.
Go also advised residents to take advantage of the services offered in the nearest Malasakit Center located at the Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Kidapawan City should they need medical assistance for their hospitalization and other health-related expenses.
The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where poor and indigent patients may conveniently avail medical assistance from relevant government agencies, namely the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. The centers have benefited more than two million Filipinos, with 134 of its kind already established nationwide.
Go continued his message by thanking local leaders, including 3rd District Representative Jose Tejada, Governor Nancy Catamco, Vice Governor Emmylou Talio-Mendoza, Mayor Jesus F. Alisasis, Vice Mayor Julier D. Caranay, and the rest of the local leaders, for their service at this time.
To boost infrastructure development and provide more economic opportunities in the province, Go has supported the funding of several projects in Banisilan town, including improvement of its roads.
As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go also pushed for the construction of the Maria Caridad Bridge in Arakan, the Aringay Bridge in Kabacan, the Guangan Bridge in Makilala, and the Del Pilar Bridge in Kidapawan City, as well as the construction or restoration of drainage canals in Kabacan and Pikit.
Other important projects he supported include multi-purpose buildings in Arakan, Makilala, and Kidapawan City; barangay halls in Matalam and Midsayap; a Liga office in Makilala; a slaughterhouse and public market in Arakan; and the renovation of a public market building in Pigcawayan.
The Senator’s team also provided relief to 609 workers in Tulunan town on August 3. On August 4, the Senator’s staff also visited Kabacan town and provided similar aid to a total of 330 beneficiaries. They then went to the town of Carmen on August 5 to distribute similar assistance to 140 workers. (OSBG)
