PASAY CITY -- As part of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s efforts to ensure support is given to more vulnerable sectors amid the challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, his outreach team is conducting a series of relief efforts for more or less 12,000 farmers in Nueva Ecija from August 23 to 27.
On the first day, Go’s staff organized seven separate distribution activities for a total of 1,848 farmers in different barangays, including Barangays Pasong Intsik, San Andres, Manacsac, Banitan, Partida II, San Miguel, Pacac, and Triala.
To ensure the safety and well-being of each beneficiary, Go’s staff enforced strict COVID-19 health protocols and even grouped them into smaller batches to protect the residents and avoid the further spread of the coronavirus.
Go earlier expressed his compassion to all Filipino farmers for the challenges they are facing and recognized their sacrifices and contribution in economic recovery and in ensuring food security amid these trying times.
“Unahin po natin ang kapakanan ng ating mga magsasaka, partikular na po ang mga pinakamahihirap sa kanila… Let us provide them with mechanisms that will promote their welfare and protection,” Go said previously.
“Para po sa mga magsasaka, kung mayroon po kayong gusto ilapit sa amin na hinaing, bukas po ang aking opisina para pakinggan kayo at ako po ang magiging tulay ninyo kay Pangulong Duterte. Kasama ninyo po ako sa laban kontra pandemya at sa hirap at gutom na kaakibat nito. Hindi namin kayo pababayaan,” he added.
The Senator then assured that he is working closely with concerned agencies particulary the Department of Agriculture to make certain that farmers get the necessary support to improve their living conditions and promote their source of livelihood.
“Sama-sama po nating ibalik ang lakas at sigla ng agrikultura. Tulungan po nating bumangon ang ating mga magsasaka. Magbayanihan po tayo,” he assured.
In a video message during the activities in Guimba, Go also appealed to the essential workers to participate in the national vaccination program as this would not only protect them from COVID-19, but would also help the country return to normalcy.
“Magtiwala ho kayo sa bakuna, huwag ho kayong matakot sa bakuna. Ang bakuna po ang tanging susi o solusyon para unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay,” said Go.
Go’s personnel then proceeded in handing out relief items, including meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins. Likewise, select beneficiaries brought home new pairs of shoes and bicycles.
In addition, the Department of Social Welfare and Development granted each individual with financial assistance to further help them sustain their daily needs.
“Ang bayan po ng Guimba ay isa sa mga nagbibigay ng malaking ani sa lalawigan ng Nueva Ecija pati na po sa Maynila. Kaya po sa inyong pagdating dito sa aming bayan upang magbigay ng tulong ay labis po namin pinasasalamatan. Kay Senator Bong Go na agad inaksyunan ang hiling ng ating mahal na punong bayan, salamat po,” said Joselito Abesamis in an interview.
Go also reminded beneficiaries that there are three Malasakit Centers in the province that they may visit if they may need medical assistance. The centers are located at Eduardo L. Joson Memorial Hospital and Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center, both in Cabanatuan City, and Talavera General Hospital in Talavera.
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go pushed for the passage of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 as part of his commitment to ensure Filipinos have access to quality healthcare services.
