PASAY CITY -- Thousands of beneficiaries, composed of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association members and displaced workers, benefited from the relief efforts conducted by the office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go.

A total of 168 and 1,364 beneficiaries from Tomas Oppus and Maasin City, respectively, were grouped into smaller batches as Go’s team carried out the distribution activities in their respective municipal and city gymnasiums on Thursday, August 19.

The organizers also ensured strict safety and health protocols were implemented to safeguard the well-being of everyone in attendance.

In his video message, Senator Go asked the essential workers for their cooperation and adherence to necessary health protocols against COVID-19 as he reaffirmed that the government strives to balance public safety and economic concerns despite the rising number of cases caused by new coronavirus variants.

“Kung ayaw niyong ma-ECQ 'yung lugar ninyo, ayaw niyong ma-lockdown, importante po, hindi tumaas 'yung kaso, sa pamamagitan ng pagbabakuna, mas protektado po kayo. Kailangan po ang kooperasyon po ng bawat Pilipino,” expressed Go.

Go’s team then proceeded in handing out essentials, such as meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins to the essential workers. More so, some recipients received new pairs of shoes and bicycles.

As face-to-face classes remain prohibited, Go gave computer tablets to select recipients to ensure that their children can easily participate during their classes under the blended learning approach implemented in schools.

“Bagama’t distance learning po tayo, importante po'y patuloy po ang inyong kaalaman at makapagtapos kayo ng pag-aaral,” Go remarked.

“Kayo po ang kinabukasan ng bayang ito, 'yan po ang puhunan natin sa mundong ito, edukasyon,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development gave financial assistance to the TODA members in Maasin City, and livelihood assistance grants to the displaced workers in Tomas Oppus to further boost their living conditions amid the pandemic.

Furthermore, the beneficiaries were each evaluated by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for their respective livelihood and scholarship programs.

Senator Go offered further assistance to locals with health concerns as he advised them to visit the Malasakit Center located at Salvacion Oppus Yñiguez Memorial Provincial Hospital in Maasin City if they may need medical attention.

The center is a one-stop shop where particularly poor and indigent patients can conveniently access medical assistance programs from DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Just recently, the 137th Malasakit Center opened its doors in New Western Leyte Provincial Hospital, Baybay City, Leyte last August 20.

Celestino Oraiz, 57, shared his gratitude for the assistance provided by the Malasakit Center, saying “Malaking pasasalamat sa ating Pangulo at kay Senador Bong Go, lalo na itong Malasakit (Center) dahil isa sa aking kapatid ay naka-avail nito ay wala silang binayaran sa Tacloban. Totoo talaga! Totoo ang Malasakit na tumutulong gaya ng pinaliwanag na zero balance. Uuuwi ang pasyente na wala ng babayaran.”

In addition, Oraiz mentioned that he and his family will participate in the national vaccination program as this is their contribution to make certain that the nation attains normalcy.

To further promote economic growth and confidence in the province, Go, being the Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported several projects in the province.

Among the projects are road improvements along San Isidro-Hinapu Tomas Oppus-Libertad-San Agustin; rehabilitation of Southern Leyte Provincial Hospital; construction of a slaughterhouse; installation of video surveillance; and the completion of Hanginan Farm-to-Market Road in Maasin City.

Furthermore, he also supported the construction of a multi-purpose building and road concreting in Brgy. Biasong in Tomas Oppus.

Go also helped in advocating infrastructure development in the province, such as the upgrading of various roads; construction of multi-purpose buildings in Libagon, Limasawa, Macrohon, Malitbog, Padre Burgos, and Pintuya; the rehabilitation and improvement of the Southern Leyte Provincial Hospital in Maasin City; the rehabilitation of the rural health unit in Silago; and the renovation of the municipal public market in Silago.

Closing his remarks, he gave recognition to Representative Roger “Oging” Mercado, Governor Damian Mercado, Vice Governor Coco Yap, Maasin City Mayor Nacional “Nikko” Mercado and Vice Mayor Malone Samaco, Tomas Oppus Mayor Jessica Escaño and Vice Mayor Rey Asterio Tambis, and many other local officials for their unending support to their constituents amid crisis situations.

Similar forms of aid were distributed in the neighboring towns of Macrohon and Padre Burgos last August 18. (OSBG)