PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go called on economic frontliners to get vaccinated as he warned the emergence of COVID-19 variants could jeopardize the gains of the vaccination program and make achieving herd immunity more difficult.
In a video message at an activity in Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay on Monday, August 23, Go encouraged the public to be well informed about the vaccines and to continue observing the necessary health protocols to stop the spread of the virus as the country continues to battle against the pandemic.
“Mga kababayan, kung gusto n’yo makalabas nang mas maayos, kung gusto n’yo makabiyahe, pakiusap ko lang na magpabakuna na kayo at kumpletuhin ninyo ang doses ninyo. Dalawang saksak lang naman ito kumpara sa sakit at kumplikasyon na dulot ng COVID-19. Kapag na bakunado kayo, mas makakabiyahe na kayo,” said Go.
“Habang unti-unti nating niluluwagan ang health protocols sa ibang parte ng bansa, iginigiit ko na nananatiling prayoridad ng gobyerno ang kaligtasan at kalusugan ng bawat mamamayan. Kaya, kagaya ng sinasabi ko lagi, sumunod at makipagtulungan po tayo palagi sa mga awtoridad,” he continued.
Meanwhile, Go's outreach team distributed meals, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 2,391 economic frontliners at the Mabuhay National High School. The frontliners consisted of vendors, farmers, fisherfolk, and members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association.
Selected beneficiaries were provided bicycles to ease their daily commute while others received new pairs of shoes. Some were given computer tablets so their children can study better under the blended learning set-up implemented by schools.
Moreover, personnel from various national agencies were also present as part of an ongoing effort by the national government to alleviate the impacts of COVID-19 on vulnerable sectors.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development provided each worker with financial assistance while the Department of Agriculture gave away vegetable seedlings. The Department of Health also conducted free medical check-ups and handed out additional masks.
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority assessed potential beneficiaries for their scholarship program. The Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Trade and Industry also committed to extend further aid based on their existing assistance programs.
To ensure their health concerns were attended to, the Senator offered further assistance to beneficiaries in need of medical care. He advised them to visit their nearest Malasakit Center so they may conveniently apply for government aid to cover their hospital and other medical related expenses.
The center is a one-stop for the medical assistance programs of the government. There are currently 137 Malasakit Centers nationwide, including those at the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center in Pagadian City; Margosatubig Regional Hospital in Margosatubig; Zamboanga City Medical Center, Mindanao Central Sanitarium or Labuan General Hospital in Zamboanga City.
The Senator ended his message thanking the public officials for their leadership in these critical times. Among those present were 1st District Representative Wilter Palma II, 2nd District Rep. Anne Hofer; Governor Wilter Palma; Vice Governor Rey Oligario; and Board Members Richard Olegario, Mujahid Jajurie, Maria Javier, Maria Rillera-Hadjiula, and George Castillo.
He also recognized Mayor Edreluisa Calonge; Vice Mayor Joval Samonte; Councilors Majin Andak, Maria Adlaon, Jermalyn Dammang, Baltazar Alcala, Nelson Mallen and Abubakar Anjawang; Association of Barangay Captains President Romerico Calonge; Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President Robelle Zarate; and Indigenous People Mandatory Representative Samma Daud.
To create new economic opportunities and fight poverty, Go, as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, has supported various infrastructure initiatives in the province, including the construction of a public market, integrated bus terminal and multi-purpose building in Mabuhay.
Go likewise supported the construction of other multi-purpose buildings in Alicia, Buug, Imelda, Ipil and Talusan; construction or improvement of existing roads in Buug, Diplahan, Imelda, Ipil, Naga, and Olutanga; construction of street lights in Payao and Titay; construction of multi-purpose covered courts, acquisition of mini dump truck and an ambulance unit in Ipil; construction of a water system in Imelda; and construction of an evacuation center in Talusan, among others.
The Senator’s team organized a similar effort for 3,000 farmers, vendors, public utility drivers and recovering flood victims at the Siay National High School on August 16. All activities were conducted in batches to ensure all health and safety protocols against COVID-19 were strictly observed. (OSBG)
