PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go pledged to work closely with the government to protect the health and well-being of the local indigenous communities by helping ensure they have access to the medical services they need amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a video message at an activity in Talaingod, Davao del Norte on Wednesday, August 11, Go encouraged the sick and elderly members of the local Ata-Manobo community to use the services of the Malasakit Centers program so they may conveniently avail of the medical assistance offered by the government.

The primary aim of the Malasakit Center is to reduce a patients’ hospital bill to the lowest possible amount by covering various patient services and expenses through existing medical assistance programs. There are currently 136 Malasakit Centers nationwide, the nearest of which are located at the Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City and the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City.

“Sa mga pasyente dito, hindi niyo na kailangang bumiyahe para pumila sa iba’t ibang opisina para makahingi ng tulong mula sa gobyerno. Kung may bill kayo, ilapit niyo lang ‘to sa Malasakit Center. Wala itong pinipili. Basta poor at indigent patient ka, qualified ka,” said Go, who authored the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.

“Hindi niyo na kailangang mahirapan dahil sa totoo lang, pera niyo naman ‘yan. Binabalik lang namin ito sa inyo sa pamamagitan ng mabilis at maayos na serbisyo mula sa Malasakit Centers,” he continued.

The Senator’s team provided meals, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 97 indigenous individuals at the Municipal Tribal Hall. The activity was held in batches to ensure the necessary health and safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 were strictly observed.

Selected recipients received new pairs of shoes while some were given bicycles, an alternative and convenient mode of transportation amid the pandemic. Others were provided computer tablets to enhance their children’s access to education.

To help cushion the negative impacts of the ongoing crisis, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development also distributed financial assistance through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program.

One of the beneficiaries, Jane, expressed gratitude for the government assistance and support in an interview: "Maraming salamat kay President Rodrigo Duterte at Kuya Bong Go para sa lahat ng tulong na dumating sa aming lugar."

Ending his remarks, the Senator similarly thanked the local government officials for their hard work and service to their vulnerable constituents, including Mayor Jonnie Libayao, Vice Mayor Francisco Gipulla Jr. and the municipal council.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has supported numerous infrastructure development projects around the country to improve access to services and create more economic opportunities. He supported the funding for the construction of a river wall and rechanneling of a river in Talaingod, and acquisition of a multi-purpose vehicle for the local government

Other initiatives include the concreting of existing roads in Asuncion, Samal and Panabo City; construction or improvement of the drainage systems and canals in Braulio E. Dujali; construction of a concrete revetment along the Tagum - Libuganon River Basin and earthdike along the Sadpudon Creek in Carmen; construction of a multi-purpose building in Kapalong, New Corella and Samal; and renovation of the public terminal, public parks and plaza in New Corella.

On May 25, the Senator’s team distributed assistance to 100 beneficiaries during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Balai Ni Amu Wuy Ki housing project at Sitio Balite, Barangay Dagohoy in Talaingod. A similar activity was held in Santo Tomas on June 26 during which they provided relief to 1,148 workers of the local transport sector. (OSBG)