PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go encouraged Filipinos to remain vigilant, cooperate with authorities, and continue the bayanihan efforts in overcoming the pandemic. He advised communities to look after each other's well-being and safety by complying with health protocols in order to also protect the most vulnerable sectors from COVID-19.

In a video message at a relief effort in Medina and Talisayan, Misamis Oriental on Thursday, August 19, Go recognized that the pandemic is impacting communities in different ways and reminded them that they can reach out to his office to voice any concern or ask for help so they can get the support they need.

“Mga kababayan, patuloy na umiikot ang ating opisina diyan sa Misamis Oriental upang bisitahin at magbigay ng tulong sa mga kapitbayan niyo. Alam kong nahihirapan kayo. Hirap talaga ang sitwasyon natin ngayon pero ‘wag kayo mag-alala dahil magtulungan tayo upang malagpasan natin ang pagsubok na ito,” said Go.

“Kapit lang tayo. Kung may maitutulong pa kami ni Pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte, ‘wag kayong mag-atubiling lumapit sa aming opisina dahil trabaho namin ang magserbisyo sa inyo,” he added.

The Senator’s team distributed meals, vitamins, masks and face shields to 413 solo parents, persons with disabilities, and tricycle drivers at the Medina Municipal Ground and 20 fire victims at the Barangay Poblacion evacuation center in Talisayan.

Selected beneficiaries received new pairs of shoes while some were provided bicycles so they can get around easily. Others were also given computer tablets which their children can use for their blended learning activities.

In addition, personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development handed out financial assistance as further support from the national government. The Department of Agriculture also gave away vegetable supplies in a separate distribution.

The Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, on the other hand, committed to extend further aid upon completing its assessments of potential beneficiaries.

“Kahit isa akong single parent, mas masaya ako sa sitwasyon ko ngayon dahil may peace kami ng anak ko. Gusto kong pasalamatan si Kuya Bong Go para sa bagong tablet ng anak ko. Hindi talaga namin ito na-expect. Malaking bagay ito para sa kanyang pag-aaral,” said Edilberta Magallon.

“Sana ay bigyan pa kayo ng lakas para marami pa kayong matulungan na kagaya namin. God bless sa inyo, Senator Bong at Tatay Digong!” she continued.

The Senator, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, also offered residents with medical concerns further support and advised them to seek medical assistance from the government through the Malasakit Centers at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center and the J.R. Borja General Hospital in Cagayan de Oro City.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop which simplifies access to the medical assistance programs offered by various national agencies, namely the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

There are currently 137 Malasakit Centers since the program was initiated by Go in 2018, the latest of which opened on August 20 at the New Western Leyte Provincial Hospital in Baybay City, Leyte.

The Senator went on to thank Medina Mayor Donato Chan and Vice Mayor Kim Odchigue, Talisayan Mayor Rommel Maslog and Vice Mayor Joseph Epoc and other local officials as they continue to work to meet the needs of their constituents during these challenging times.

To help boost the economic opportunities and further improve the delivery of public services in Misamis Oriental, Go, as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, earlier supported the funding for the construction of a flood control and drainage system in Barangay South Poblacion, flood control structure upstream of the Tup-on Bridge and a revetment at the Dangoan River in Medina.

He also helped in other projects, including the improvement of existing roads in Alubijid, Balingasag, Balingoan, Binuangan, Initao, Lagonglong, Laguindingan, Libertad, Lugait, Magsaysay, Manticao and El Salvador City; construction of multi-purpose buildings in Binuangan, Kinoguitan, Magsaysay, Cagayan de Oro City and Gingoog City; construction of water and drainage systems in Balingasag, Gitagum, Jasaan, Initao and Cagayan de Oro City; and construction of flood mitigation structures in Magsaysay, Cagayan de Oro City and Gingoog City, among others

On Wednesday, August 18, Go's staff also extended aid to help rehabilitate 222 former drug users in Sugbongcogon. All activities were conducted in batches and strict adherence with other health and safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19. (OSBG)