PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go remains dedicated to bringing support to poor and vulnerable households which were greatly affected by the global health crisis as he sent aid to hundreds of beneficiaries in Ilagan City and Tumauini, Isabela on Monday, August 9.
In his video message during the relief efforts conducted at Tumauini Astrodome and Ilagan City Community Center, Senator Go expressed his concern over growing numbers of COVID-19 cases caused by the more contagious Delta variant. Go then asked the public to get vaccinated, take extra precautions, and strictly adhere to necessary protocols to prevent the further spread of the virus.
As he remained committed to helping the country attain population protection and herd immunity, Go reassured that the government is expediting the rollout of vaccines to critical areas in every corner of the country. He then urged those eligible to take advantage of the national vaccination program and get inoculated immediately when scheduled.
Continuing his remarks, Go appealed to the respective local government units to implement a systematic vaccination program in their communities to make certain that residents efficiently receive jabs. The Senator also requested to give special assistance to the elderly as they are considered to be most vulnerable to the virus.
“Sa patuloy na pananalasa ng mas nakakahawang Delta variant, ako ay umaapela sa kapwa ko Pilipino, sundin po natin ang mga health protocols, parati pong magsuot ng mask, face shield, social distancing at hugas ng kamay, kung hindi naman po kailangan huwag munang umalis ng inyong pamamahay dahil delikado pa po ang panahon,” Go reminded.
“Kami po ni Pangulong Duterte ay patuloy na magseserbisyo po sa inyong lahat sa abot ng aming makakaya, nandirito lang po kami. Ang importante malampasan natin itong krisis na ito bilang nagkakaisang mamamayang Pilipino,” he continued.
As part of his commitment to improving the country’s healthcare system, Go further encouraged the 503 beneficiaries in attendance to look after their well-being, especially during the national health crisis.
He then mentioned that there are two Malasakit Centers in the province of Isabela where concerned government agencies, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, are put together under one roof to help indigent patients with their medical expenses.
The Malasakit Centers are located at Gov. Faustino Dy, Sr. Memorial Hospital in Ilagan City and Southern Isabela Medical Center in Santiago City.
Go’s team then proceeded to hand out essentials, such as meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins to the recipients. Some individuals also brought home new pairs of shoes, bicycles, and computer tablets for them to cope with the challenges of the new normal.
Additionally, representatives from DSWD gave additional aid to help beneficiaries start business opportunities as they gave each of them livelihood assistance grants through their Sustainable Livelihood Program.
Josefina Villanueva, a 50-year-old vendor, said that she remains optimistic despite challenges brought about by the pandemic and she further expressed her gratitude towards the support provided by Senator Go.
“Sa mga kababayan ko po, huwag po tayo mawalan ng pag-asa. Magiging maayos din po ang lahat. Para po kay Senator Bong Go, salamat po dahil kahit malayo po kami, nakarating po ang konting tulong po,” Villanueva said.
Go, as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, earlier extended additional support to the province by pushing for several infrastructure initiatives to boost the economic development of Ilagan City and Tumauini. Among these are the construction of a multi-purpose building and the installation of streetlights along Maharlika Highway in the town of Tumauini. Likewise, he supported the construction of Siffu and Nanaguan Bridge, construction of a multi-purpose building, and concreting of roads from Brgy. Catalina to Nanaguan in Ilagan City.
Go also supported the construction of water systems in Cabagan, San Pablo, and Santa Maria; construction of a slope protection structure in Limbauan and Cabagan; construction of multi-purpose buildings in San Pablo, Naguilian, and Quezon; concreting of farm-to-market and other existing roads in Luna, Maconacon, Maria Aurora, Ramon, Reina Mercedes, Roxas, San Guillermo, San Isidro, San Mariano, and San Mateo; construction of bridges in Mallig, Ramon, Reina Mercedes, San Guillermo and San Mariano; construction of a flood control structures in Santiago City; and the construction of a slaughterhouse in Luna, among others.
Concluding his remarks, Go thanked Representative Antonio “Tonypet” Albano, Governor Rodolfo “Rodito” Albano II, Vice Governor Faustino “Bodjie” Dy III, Tumauini Mayor Arnold Bautista and Vice Mayor Lorenzo Uy Jr., Ilagan City Mayor Josemarie Diaz, and other local government leaders for their immeasurable service to their constituents, especially during these challenging times.
“Mga kababayan ko, kaunting tiis lang po. Alam ko pong nahihirapan na kayo. Kami rin po ni Pangulong Duterte ay nahihirapan din po. Subalit, kayo po ang nagbibigay lakas sa amin upang makapagserbisyo pa po, araw-araw po, 24/7,” he ended.
Earlier, Go’s team also organized similar batches of distribution efforts in the towns of Cabagan, San Pablo, Santa Maria, Sto. Tomas, Delfin Albano, and Mallig. (OSBG)
