PASAY CITY -- In support of the government’s target to attain population protection and eventually herd immunity against COVID-19, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go called for stronger coordination among national and local authorities to fast-track the vaccine rollout in critical areas as well as far flung communities.

As his team extended assistance to more towns in Bohol on Saturday, August 7, he appealed to the respective local government units to ensure vaccines are given to residents as soon as possible to ensure that no doses and no time are wasted.

Following the distribution activities conducted in Tagbilaran City, and the towns of Maribojoc, Loon, Catigbian, Calape, Batuan, and Antequera, Go’s team conducted another series of relief efforts for a total of 665 beneficiaries in the municipalities of Sikatuna, Candijay, Duero, and Anda.

In his video message, Go asked the concerned local officials to coordinate closely with the national government in making sure that the beneficiaries, who are mostly comprised of persons with disabilities, solo parents, indigent families, and storm surge victims, get inoculated as soon as their turn comes in accordance with vaccination guidelines.

He also encouraged other Boholanos to take advantage of the vaccination program, especially when they are already included in the priority groups, to help the country return to normalcy.

“Mayroong mga bagong variants, gaya ng Delta variant, delikado itong Delta variant. Pakiusap lang para protektado kayo, magpabakuna na kayo. Libre itong bakuna para ito sa proteksyon ninyo. Kapag bakunado na kayo, mas maiiwasan ang pagkagrabe ng sakit ng COVID-19,” said Go.

As the well-being of Filipinos is one of his top priorities, Go, who is the Chair of Senate Committee on Health, asked residents to look after their health and encouraged them to visit the Malasakit Centers located at Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital in Tagbilaran City and Don Emilio del Valle Memorial Hospital in Ubay if they may need medical assistance.

First established in 2018, the center is a one-stop shop designed for indigent patients. The Malasakit Center puts all concerned agencies, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, under one roof to create convenient access to their medical assistance programs.

The relief operations were carried at the Municipal Hall in Duero, Brgy. Poblacion Covered Court in Candijay, Municipal Gym in Anda, and Cultural Center in Sikatuna where Go’s team implemented necessary safety and health precautions to avoid the further spread of the virus.

Go’s staff handed out meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins to the recipients. Others received new pairs of shoes and bicycles that they can use to conveniently get the essentials they need.

Some beneficiaries also brought home computer tablets to provide access to educational materials to further help their children who are studying under the blended learning setup.

Furthermore, several government agencies were also present to provide additional support to individuals who continue to be greatly affected by the pandemic.

The Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority conducted an on-site evaluation where they determined beneficiaries who are qualified to take part in their respective livelihood and scholarship programs.

Staff from DSWD, in turn, granted each recipient financial assistance through their Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.

Dennis Bernido, 61, expressed his hardships since the pandemic began. He shared that his livelihood as a farmer was greatly affected as this is his only source of income and the only way he can sustain his family.

“Si Senator Bong Go, hindi iiwanan ang mga mahihirap dahil naramdaman namin ang tulong nila sa dami ng naitulong nila. Nagpapasalamat ako ng lubos kay Senador Bong Go at sa kanyang mga kasama, maraming maraming salamat sa inyo, senador,” Bernido said.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go pushed for the economic development of provinces such as Bohol. He supported the funding of the construction of a Health Quarantine Facility/Evacuation Center and Covered Court in Sikatuna; construction of drainage and canal, improvement of public park, and installation of street lights in Duero.

Likewise, Go supported the construction of multi-purpose buildings and an evacuation center in Anda; and rehabilitation of roads, and installation of street lights in Candijay.

He likewise extended support in the construction of multi-purpose buildings in Alicia, Balilihan, Buenavista, Butuan, Danao, Dauis, Dimiao, Garcia-Hernandez, Guindulman, Loay, Loon, Tagbiliran City and Valencia; construction or improvement of evacuation centers in Balilihan, Carmen, Corella, Garcia-Hernandez, Panglao and Valencia; improvement of the public markets in Bilar, Clarin, Lila Tagbiliran City, and Sagbayan; construction of slaughterhouses in Inabanga and Loay; construction of a fish port with harbor in Jagna; rehabilitation of a multi-purpose pavement in Baclayon; improvement of the public parks in Batuan, and Cortes; purchase of ambulance units in Catigbian, and Trinidad; and purchase of a dump truck and multi-purpose vehicle for Clarin.

In addition, Go also supported the improvement of farm-to-market and local roads in Alburqueque, Baclayon, Bien Unido, Bilar, Buenavista, Dagohoy, Sierra Bullones, Sevilla and Valencia; concreting of existing roads in Alicia, Danao, Garcia-Hernandez, Loboc, Mabini, Pilar, San Miguel, Sevilla, Talibon and Tubigon; construction of the Talibon-Bien Unido Bridge in Bien Unido; street lighting project in Alburqueque, Getfate, Loay, Loboc, San Isidro, Trinidad and Tubigon; rehabilitation of the Antequera and Inabanga waterworks systems; and installation of a water system in Pres. Carlos P. Garcia.

Go then commended local government officials of Sikatuna, Candijay, Duero, and Anda, for untiringly supporting their constituents, especially during these unprecedented times.

“Mga kababayan ko, ingat po kayo at magdasal po tayo parati. Mga kababayan ko, tandaan n’yo, minsan lang po tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na puwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa Pilipino ay gawin na po natin ngayon,” Go ended. (OSBG)