PASAY CITY -- On Thursday, August 12, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s team organized a distribution activity for 300 residents of San Miguel in Zamboanga del Sur as part of his continuous efforts to help more struggling communities amid the pandemic.

In his video message, Senator Go reassured Filipinos that there are sufficient vaccines against COVID-19 as more doses are expected to arrive in the country. He earlier appealed to authorities to make sure that vaccines are appropriately distributed to critical areas while also ensuring that far-flung communities get enough to inoculate their constituents and achieve population protection and eventually herd immunity.

As of August 12, a total of 26.7 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been successfully administered since the government started the nationwide vaccination program in March. Some 14.5 million of these are for their first dose while 12.2 million have completed their vaccination of two doses.

Meanwhile, 549,767 doses of COVID-19 vaccines were administered on August 12 alone.

He then appealed to the local government units to inoculate residents as soon as vaccines are received to make sure that no doses go to waste. Go also requested local authorities to closely assist the elderly as they are more prone to the threat of the virus.

“Pakiusap po namin ni Pangulong Duterte, kahit bakunado na ho kayo, huwag pa ring maging kumpiyansa dahil hindi pa rin natin masabi 'yung hindi pa bakunado ay maaaring mahawa. Hindi po natin alam kung sino po 'yung carrier po ng sakit na COVID-19,” Go reminded.

“Importante po sa amin ni Pangulong Duterte ang kalusugan at buhay ng bawat Pilipino. A lost life is a lost life forever. Mga kababayan ko, magtulungan lang ho tayo,” he added.

As he continued his message, Go further encouraged residents to take advantage of medical assistance programs offered in the nearest Malasakit Centers located at Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center in Pagadian City, and Margosatubig Regional Hospital in Margosatubig.

The Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 was principally authored and sponsored by Go as he aims to provide Filipinos convenient access to quality and affordable healthcare services. The primary task of the Malasakit Center is to assist particularly poor and indigent patients and help reduce their medical expenses to the lowest amount possible.

Meanwhile, Go’s personnel handed out essentials to the beneficiaries, such as meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins at San Miguel Gymnasium. Some residents received new pairs of shoes and bicycles that they can use.

Go also gave computer tablets to select beneficiaries as part of his commitment to provide underprivileged students access to quality education.

The Senator commended the Department of Social Welfare and Development for granting each recipient with livelihood assistance grants to help them kick-start possible business ventures.

“Palaguin niyo po ang inyong negosyo, dalahin niyo po ang inyong kita sa inyong pamilya. Mas masarap ang pakiramdam kapag pinagpawisan at pinaghirapan niyo po ang inyong pagnenegosyo,” said Go.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go supported infrastructure initiatives in the region to boost economic opportunities and improve public service delivery.

Among those in the province of Zamboanga del Sur include various road improvements particularly in San Miguel town; rehabilitation of flood control along Lanao - Pagadian - Zamboanga City Road; construction of Multi-Purpose Buildings in Aurora, Dimataling, Dinas, Kumalarang, and Pagadian City; concreting of farm-to-market roads in Dimataling, Dinas, Dumalinao, and Midsalip; installation of highway and street lights in Guipos; improvement of infrastructure and provision of medical equipment to Margosatubig Regional Hospital; and the acquisition of one ambulance unit for the city of Pagadian.

Go thanked Representatives Divina Grace Yu and Jun Babasa, Governor Victor Yu, Mayor Angelito Martinez II, Vice Mayor Celso Otero, and other local officials for making certain that their constituents get much needed support especially during these challenging times.

“Sa mga kababayan ko, kaunting tiis lang po. Alam kong nahihirapan po kayo, kami rin po ni Pangulong Duterte nahihirapan din po kami. Subalit, kayo po ang nagbibigay lakas sa amin para pa po makapagserbisyo upang malampasan pa po natin itong krisis na ating kinakaharap,” Go said. (OSBG)