PASAY CITY -- A series of relief operations were conducted on Friday, August 20, in Libagon, San Juan, and Sogod, Southern Leyte for 1,740 residents composed of market vendors and tricycle drivers as part of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s commitment to help Filipinos whose livelihoods are affected by the ongoing pandemic.
“Alam ko na mahirap ang panahon ngayon, magtulungan lang tayo. Sino pa ba ang magtutulungan kung hindi tayo lang ding kapwa Pilipino,” Go urged in a video message.
Go, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, advised the recipients to visit Salvacion Oppus Yñiguez Memorial Provincial Hospital in Maasin City where a Malasakit Center is ready to help them cover their medical bills.
“Puntahan lang ninyo itong Malasakit Center, batas na ito na pinirmahan ni Pangulong Duterte na isinulong ko noong una. Ang Malasakit Center ay para talaga sa mga Pilipino,” said Go.
Go principally authored and sponsored the measure that became Republic Act No. 11463, otherwise known as the Malasakit Centers Act. Under the law, all DOH-run hospitals and the Philippine General Hospital are mandated to open their own Malasakit Centers. Other public hospitals may also establish their own provided they meet a standard set of criteria and can guarantee the sustainability of its operations.
“Sa mga pasyente dito, kung may bill kayo, ilapit niyo lang ito sa Malasakit Center at tutulungan kayo nito makahingi ng tulong sa mga ahensya ng gobyerno. Hindi niyo na kailangan bumiyahe para pumila sa iba’t ibang opisina. Wala itong pinipili. Basta poor at indigent patient ka, qualified ka sa Malasakit Center,” said Go.
“Hindi na kailangan pahirapan pa ang mga kababayan natin dahil pera naman nila iyan, ibinabalik lang sa kanila sa pamamagitan ng mabilis at maayos na serbisyo mula sa Malasakit Centers,” he added.
The Senator also advised the public to remain compliant with the health preventive measures against COVID-19, such as avoiding unnecessary travels, constant washing of hands, wearing of masks and face shields when in public, and maintaining social distancing.
As necessary safety and health protocols were strictly observed, Go’s team then handed out meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins to the beneficiaries. Go also provided new pairs of shoes and bicycles to select recipients to help them travel with ease given the limited transportation options.
Others were given computer tablets for their children to use so that they can focus better on studying for their classes under the blended learning approach.
Aside from the assistance provided by Go, several government agencies extended their support and gave additional aid to the beneficiaries.
Financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development were given to each recipient while an on-site assessment was conducted by the staff of the Department of Trade and Industry where determined beneficiaries will receive livelihood support.
