PASAY CITY -- As he continues to bring necessary aid to vulnerable sector groups, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go appealed to government agencies to continue providing more support that would benefit more underprivileged communities amid the global pandemic.

On Wednesday, August 18, Go’s team organized two separate relief efforts in the province of Southern Leyte for 146 and 138 beneficiaries in Macrohon and Padre Burgos, respectively. Both activities were carried out at their respective municipal gymnasiums.

“Mga kababayan ko, maraming nawalan ng trabaho, maraming nagsara na negosyo, mahirap ang pamumuhay. Magtulungan lang tayo. Nandito lang kami ni Presidente Duterte at handang tumulong sa inyo sa abot ng aming makakaya,” Go expressed through his video message.

The recipients were grouped into smaller batches as Go’s staff implemented necessary safety and health protocols while they distributed relief items, such as meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins.

Go also sent new pairs of shoes and bicycles to some recipients while others received computer tablets that are intended to support their children as they pursue their studies under the implemented blended learning approach.

Joining Go’s team were several government agencies ready to deliver public services based on their existing programs for Filipinos in crisis, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development that granted the recipients livelihood assistance through their Sustainable Livelihood Program.

The Department of Trade and Industry similarly gave livelihood support to qualified recipients. Lastly, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority evaluated beneficiaries for their scholarship programs.

“Nagpapasalamat kami kay President Duterte at Senador Bong Go. Napakaraming salamat na nasali rin kami sa ganitong programa na makakatulong sa aming pamilya,” said Cecilia Millan, 58, in an interview.

Go also cited that the government continues to address unemployment and poverty amid the ongoing pandemic. The Senator advised that the public needs to stay cooperative and disciplined as the government continues to strengthen its efforts in ending the ongoing crisis.

To achieve population protection, Senator Go, being the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, encouraged residents to participate in the national vaccination program, especially those who are part of the priority groups. He also called the attention of local authorities to make certain that vaccines are efficiently administered to residents.

“May pakiusap lang kami sa inyo, magtiwala kayo sa gobyerno, magtiwala kayo sa bakuna. 'Pag nandiyan na kayo sa priority list, magpabakuna na kayo, dahil libre naman itong bakuna at para protektado ang inyong pamilya,” Go expressed.

“Ang gusto nating makamtan ay population protection at herd immunity ngayong taon para masaya ang ating Pasko,” he added.

The Senator, likewise, advised the public to take advantage of the medical assistance programs offered in the Malasakit Center located at Salvacion Oppus Yñiguez Memorial Provincial Hospital in the city of Maasin if they may need immediate medical attention.

Signed into law in 2019, the Malasakit Centers Act puts together concerned agencies under one roof to give poor and indigent patients all necessary assistance to help reduce their medical expenses. Among the agencies are DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.

Apart from the assistance he provided, Senator Go, who is also the Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported the construction of multi-purpose buildings in Brgys. Buenavista and San Vicente in the towns of Padre Burgos and Macrohon, respectively.

Go also helped push for infrastructure development in the province to boost economic opportunities, such as the improvement of roads in Liloan, Hinundayan, San Francisco, Libagon, Pintuyan, Hinunangan, Limasawa, Saint Bernard, and Sogod; and the installation of street lights in San Ricardo.

In addition, the Senator also supported the construction of multi-purpose buildings in Libagon, Limasawa, Malitbog, Pintuya, and Tomas Oppus; the rehabilitation of the rural health unit in Silago; and the renovation of the municipal public market in Silago.

Go then recognized local government officials for their immeasurable service and support to their communities and making certain that their constituents recover from the challenges brought about by the health crisis.

“Tandaan natin, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na puwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa Pilipino, sa ating kapwa tao ay gawin natin ngayon, dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” he ended. (OSBG)