PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reiterated his commitment to push for increased access to treatment and care services for recovering persons who used drugs (PWUDs) during an activity organized by his team in Tudela, Misamis Occidental from August 26 and 27.

Go also called for the passage of Senate Bill No. 399 which seeks to establish a drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation center in every province nationwide. If passed into law, the centers shall provide care, treatment and accommodation to persons found to be drug dependents.

“Paalala ko sa mga kababayan natin: kapag pumasok kayo sa droga, ang isang paa n’yo nasa hukay na. Hindi lang ‘yan nakakasira ng utak, nakakasira rin ‘yan ng pamilya at komunidad. Sa mga gustong mag bagong buhay, may rehabilitation centers po tayo na handang tumulong para makapag bagong buhay kayo,” Go said in a video message.

“Kami ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, ipagpapatuloy namin ang kampanya laban sa korapsyon, kriminalidad at illegal na droga. Hindi kami titigil para maproteksyunan ang kinabukasan ng ating mga anak,” he reassured.

The Senator’s team provided snacks, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 1,248 PWUDs at the Tudela Municipal Gym. To ensure their health and safety, the activity was conducted in batches and strict observance of other government protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Selected beneficiaries received new pairs of shoes while those relying on public transportation were provided bicycles for their commuting needs. Others were given computer tablets, so their children can carry on with their blended learning activities while at home.

Moreover, personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development distributed financial assistance through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program while the Department of Health handed out hygiene kits. The Department of Agriculture also gave away seedlings in a separate distribution.

The Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Labor and Employment committed, upon completing their assessments, to provide further training and livelihood aid to qualified beneficiaries. The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority likewise conducted assessments for their scholarship program.

A similar activity was held for 700 other vendors and tricycle drivers in Plaridel on Tuesday, August 24, in coordination with the aforementioned national agencies.

To ensure they receive the medical support they need, the Senator also informed beneficiaries that they may avail of further assistance from the Malasakit Center located at the Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Medical Center in Ozamiz City.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop pioneered by Go where poor and other financially incapacitated patients may conveniently apply for medical assistance from the DOH, DSWD, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

The program was institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, also known as the Malasakit Centers Act, which President Rodrigo Duterte signed in December 2019.

Go proceeded to thank the various government officials for their support of the RPWDs, namely Deputy Speaker and 2nd District Representative Henry Oaminal; Mayor Samuel Parojinog; Vice Mayor Estela Obut-Estaño; and Councilors Ronil Obut, Nelvin Lague, Samuel Edusma III, Juscille Campo, Arsenio Singidas, Edwin Mixdon, Bonifacio Alcoseba and Restituto Llorong.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, the Senator has supported numerous infrastructure projects to promote both development and economic growth in Misamis Occidental. Among these include the construction of the Mt. Malindang eco-tourism bypass highway and a multi-purpose building in Tudela.

He also supported the construction or rehabilitation of roads in Aloran, Bonifacio, Calamba, Clarin, Don Victoriano, Jimenez, Sapang Dalaga, Sinacban and Ozamiz City; construction of multi-purpose buildings in Concepcion, Jimenez, Plaridel, Oroquieta, Ozamiz City and Tangub City; and installation of streetlights in Ozamiz City, Tangub City and along various national highways and provincial roads, among others. (OSBG)