PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go encouraged religious leaders to help their communities overcome the hardships caused by COVID-19 by joining the bayanihan efforts to boost vaccine confidence among Filipinos and promote vigilance and cooperation.

In a video message for an activity in Malolos City, Bulacan on Tuesday, August 10, Go reminded everyone to remain vigilant against the Delta variant which spreads easier and quicker than other variants.

“Mga kababayan, magtulungan at magmalasakit tayo para malampasan natin ang pandemyang ito. Kung nasa priority list kayo ay magpabakuna kayo para maiwasan niyo ang mga severe na epekto ng COVID-19. Kung mahal niyo ang inyung mga pamilya at anak, magpabakuna na kayo para mas protektado kayo,” said Go.

“Importante po na makamtan natin ang population protection at herd immunity ngayong taong para sumaya naman ang ating Pasko. Makakamtan lang natin ‘yan ‘pag protektado ang bawat Pilipino,” he continued.

The Senator’s team distributed meals, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 987 religious leaders at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium. The activity was conducted in batches to ensure strict adherence to the health and safety protocols against COVID-19.

Selected beneficiaries received new pairs of shoes while some were given bicycles to ease their daily commute. Others were provided computer tablets so their children can study better under the blended learning set-up implemented by schools.

In addition, personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development also distributed financial assistance as part of a set of intervention measures by the government for individuals and communities in crisis.

In line with his commitment to improving access to healthcare, the Senator offered further assistance to any beneficiary in need of medical attention. He advised them to visit the Malasakit Centers at the Bulacan Medical Center in the said city and at the Rogaciano M. Mercado Memorial Hospital in Santa Maria to avail of medical assistance.

The center is a one-stop shop where patients can conveniently access medical assistance from the relevant government agencies, namely the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

In 2019, Go authored and sponsored the measure that became Republic Act No. 11463, also known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. The law aims to reduce a patients' hospital bill to the lowest possible amount by covering various patient services and expenses, such as surgeries, laboratory tests and medicines.

“Ako po ay taus-pusong nagpapasalamat kay Senator Bong Go para sa kanyang programang Malasakit Center. Isa sa miyembro namin sa church ay na-ospital kamakailan. Hindi naging balakid ang kahirapan para makatanggap siya ng serbisyong medikal,” shared Pastor Wilven Notorio of the Dela Costa IV Baptist Church in San Jose del Monte City.

“Ginamit ng Panginoon ang programa na ito at ngayon ay nakalabas na siya. Tuwang-tuwa ang kanyang pamilya para sa tulong na natanggap nila. Muli, nagpapasalamat kami sa senator. Sana ay gamitin pa kayo ng Panginoon para makatulong sa mga nangangailangan. We pray for more righteous leaders na totoong nagmamalasakit sa tao,” he continued.

The Senator went on to thank various individuals for their continuing service to marginalized communities, specifically Governor Daniel Fernando; Vice Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado; Board Member Alex Castro; Bishop Efraim Perez, president of the Independent Bishops Conference of the Philippines; and Bishop Joel Lombos of the Pulilan First Baptist Church.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has supported several infrastructure development projects in Bulacan with the aim of providing greater access to economic opportunities and public services. He pushed for the rehabilitation of the Bulacan State University Activity Center and construction of a multi-purpose building in Barangay Niugan in Malolos City.

He also supported the construction of flood control structures along the Angat River; construction of multi-purpose buildings throughout the province; provision of medical equipment in local hospitals; construction of concrete drainages; improvement of the Pandi District Hospital; concreting of a farm-to-market road in San Ildefonso; and many more.

Last July 27, the Senator dispatched his team to Bulakan where they also provided relief and additional aid to 1,300 indigent residents. (OSBG)