PASAY CITY -- In his video message during the relief efforts conducted in Roseller T. Lim, Zamboanga Sibugay on Friday, August 27, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, who is the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, reiterated the importance of making health a priority as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

The Senator encouraged the 2,000 beneficiaries, who were comprised of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association members, vendors, and habal-habal drivers, to visit any of the seven Malasakit Centers in Zamboanga Peninsula for any of their health concerns.

Prior to being Senator, Go has been dedicated to developing ways that would help low-income Filipinos with their medical expenses. This further pushed him to initiate the passage of Republic Act No. 11463 that was later signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2019.

“Noong naging presidente si President Duterte, sabi ko, ano bang pwede nating gawin na isang konsepto na pwede nating bilisan lang natin na makapagbigay ng serbisyo. Sinubukan namin sa Cebu, sa Vicente Sotto. Nilagyan namin sa isang kwarto ‘yung PhilHealth, PCSO, DOH, DSWD, mga representative nila, inilagay sa isang kwarto. Ginawa natin ang Malasakit Center,” Go shared.

“Mga kababayan ko, mayroon na po tayong 137 na Malasakit Center sa buong Pilipinas. Tutulungan po kayo hanggang maging zero balance ang inyong billing. Lapitan niyo lang po ang Malasakit Center para po ‘yan sa Pilipino,” he continued.

Malasakit Centers are located at Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center in Pagadian City and Margosatubig Regional Hospital in Margosatubig, both in Zambonga del Sur; Zamboanga City Medical Center, Mindanao Central Sanitarium, and Labuan General Hospital in Zamboanga City; Jose Rizal Memorial Hospital in Dapitan City, and Zamboanga del Norte Medical Center in Dipolog City, both in Zamboanga del Norte.

As they strictly implemented safety and health protocols, Go’s team carried the distribution activity at the Roseller T. Lim National High School where they grouped the essential workers into smaller batches while they received meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins. Go also sent bicycles, new pairs of shoes, and computer tablets to select beneficiaries.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development gave financial assistance while the Department of Health conducted free medical check-ups and provided additional supplies of masks.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture handed out supplies of vegetable seeds. The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, in turn, evaluated potential beneficiaries for their scholarship grants.

Lastly, the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Trade and Industry each conducted an on-site assessment to determine qualified individuals who may take part in their respective livelihood programs.

In line with the Senator’s priority to look after the health and well-being of Filipinos, Go then urged the public to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible in accordance with the vaccination guidelines.

“Mabilis na ang ating vaccination rollout. Pakiusap ko lang sa inyo, kapag nasa priority list, magpabakuna na kayo. Magtiwala kayo sa bakuna, huwag kayong matakot sa bakuna,” Go expressed.

“Ang importante, protektado kayo. Kung mahal ninyo ang inyong anak at ang inyong pamilya, magpabakuna na kayo. Pakiusap lang namin ni Presidente Duterte sa inyong lahat,” he added.

To ensure its economic growth amid the global pandemic, the Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance extended his support for various infrastructure initiatives in the province, including the construction of other multi-purpose buildings in Alicia, Buug, Imelda, Ipil, and Talusan; construction or improvement of roads in Buug, Diplahan, Imelda, Ipil, Naga, and Olutanga; as well as the construction of street lights in Payao and Titay, among others.

Ending his remarks, Go expressed his appreciation towards Representatives Wilter “Sharky” II Wee Palma and Anne Hofer; Governor Atty. Wilter Yap Palma; Vice Governor Rey Oligario; Mayor Danilo Piodena; Vice Mayor Engr. Michael Piodena; Board Members Richard Olegario, Mujahid Jajurie, Maria Bella Javier, Maria Esperanza Corazon Rillera, and George Castillo, and many other local officials.

Go’s outreach team carried out similar distribution efforts in the towns of Titay, Mabuhay, Alicia, Diplahan, Siay, and Buug. (OSBG)