PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go encouraged Filipinos to patronize and give local businesses the support they need as he highlighted their importance in revitalizing communities and the economy amid the uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He reiterated his call for greater government support for struggling business owners in a video message during a relief operation for the micro-entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners in Burgos, Gamu, Quirino and Roxas towns in Isabela province on Friday, August 13.

“Backbone ng ating ekonomiya ang mga (micro, small and medium enterprises). Masisipag at madiskarte sa buhay ang mga Pilipino. Kung mabibigyan lang sila ng tamang tulong at training, hindi malayo na mas lalago pa ang mga negosyo nila,” said Go.

“Sana, ma-konsidera ng mga ahensya ng gobyerno ito. Tulungan po natin ang mga MSMEs natin na buhayin ang kanilang mga negosyo dahil sila rin ang bubuhay sa ating ekonomiya, lalung-lalo na ngayon na nasa gitna tayo ng krisis dulot ng COVID-19,” he continued.

The Senator’s staff distributed meals, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 417 micro-entrepreneurs. To ensure all health and safety protocols were strictly observed, the activities were held in batches at the municipal gymnasiums of Burgos and Roxas and the community centers of Burgos and Quirino.

The staff also provided select beneficiaries new pairs of shoes so they can work in comfort or bicycles to support their livelihood activities. Some were additionally given computer tablets to help their children in their studies under the blended learning set-up.

Meanwhile, personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development were also present and distributed livelihood assistance which the beneficiaries can use to start or expand an existing business.

“Dati akong katulong. Nag-umpisa ako ng piggery pero nung nagkasakit ‘yung mga baboy ay nahinto ito. Kaya nahirapan ako nung nagkapandemya. Walang trabaho tapos may dalawa pa akong anak sa kolehiyo. Para may pangtustos kami ay nag labandera nalang po ako sa mga kamag-anak ko,” shared Revelyn Damo, 50, a resident of Gamu.

“Dahil matanda na rin ako, gusto ko sanang magsimula ng sari-sari store para sa bahay nalang ako at mahirap rin sa sitwasyon ngayon. Nagpapasalamat ako sa pamahalaan natin at natulungan nila kaming mahihirap. Sana matulungan pa nila kami sa pag-aaral ng aming mga anak,” she continued.

To ensure the sick and elderly get the care they need, the Senator, in his message, also offered medical assistance to any beneficiary. He informed them that they may conveniently avail of government aid through the nearest Malasakit Center located at the Cagayan Valley Medical Center in Tuguegarao City .

The center is a one-stop shop for the medical assistance programs of the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. The program was institutionalized under the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which Go principally authored and sponsored in the Senate.

The Senator proceeded to thank various officials for their continuing support for their constituents. Among those present were 5th District Representative Faustino T. Dy III; Governor Rodolfo Albano III; Vice Governor Faustino G. Dy III; Burgos Mayor Kevin Uy and Vice Mayor Ruben Gragasin; Gamu Mayor Nestor Uy and Vice Mayor Nestor Lacerna; Quirino Mayor Edward Juan and Vice Mayor Nerizza Callangan; and Roxas Mayor Jonathan Calderon and Vice Mayor Nick Sebastian.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Go earlier supported the concreting of the Burgos - Quirino provincial road; rehabilitation of local roads in Brgy. San Roque, Burgos and Brgy. San Rafael, Roxas; and acquisition of a multi purpose vehicle for the local government of Quirino.

He also supported the construction of multi-purpose buildings in Cauayan, Echague, Naguilian, Quezon, San Pablo and Ilagan City; construction of bridges in Benito Soliven, Jones, Mallig, Ramon, Reina Mercedes, San Guillermo, San Mariano and Ilagan City; and concreting, upgrading or rehabilitation of other existing roads throughout the province, among others.

In demonstration of his continuing commitment for their welfare, Go's staff also extended relief to hundreds of micro-entrepreneurs in Aurora, Cordon, Luna, San Manuel, Tumauini, Ilagan City and Santiago City between August 9 to 12. (OSBG)