PASAY CITY -- In light of an uptick in the number of COVID-19 cases among minors, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reminded young adults and children to follow health protocols, stay safe at home, and focus on their education despite the limitations caused by the pandemic.

Go underscored the importance of limiting transmissions to give the country sufficient time to vaccinate the population in a video message for an activity in support of students in Rodriguez, Rizal held from August 29 to 30.

“Nakakabahala na tumataas ‘yung bilang ng mga kaso sa mga kabataan. Isa ‘yan sa mga rason kaya hindi pumayag si Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ng face-to-face classes. Importante ang kalusugan ninyo kaya pinag-aaralan na ng gobyerno ngayon na isali kayo sa priority list para protektado din kayo,” said Go.

“Sa patuloy na pananalasa ng mas nakakahawang Delta variant, umaapela ako na sundin niyo ang mga health protocols, gaya ng pagsuot ng mask at face shield, social distancing at paghugas ng kamay, upang makaiwas sa bagong variants lalo na yung mga hindi pa bakunado tulad ng kabataan,” he urged.

The Senator’s team distributed meals, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 3,875 students at the Kasiglahan National High School gym. The activity was held in batches to ensure strict compliance with the government-issued protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Selected beneficiaries were given computer tablets so they can carry out their blended learning activities while studying at home. Some received new pairs of shoes while others were provided bicycles, an alternative and easy-to-use means of transport amid the pandemic.

In addition, personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development also provided each student with assistance under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.

"Isa po akong fourth year student at service crew sa isang fast food chain. Nung nagka-pandemic, naapektuhan 'yung trabaho ng aking mga magulang kaya isa sa mga sources of income namin ngayon ay ang pinagkakakitaan ko," shared Clint Cesar, 21, a student at Colegio del Montalban.

"Nagpapasalamat ako kay Pangulong Duterte at ang kapakanan ng mga Pilipino ang kanyang pinagtutuunan ng pansin. Kay Senator Bong Go, maraming salamat sa aking bisikleta at napaka-importante po nito sa akin bilang isang working student. Sana humaba pa ang inyong buhay at marami kayong matulungan na tao gaya namin," he continued.

The Senator, in his message, reminded students to prioritize their physical and mental health and offered further assistance to those experiencing medical concerns. He informed them that they may conveniently avail of medical assistance from the government at any of the four Malasakit Centers operating in Rizal.

The center is a one-stop shop for the medical assistance programs of the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. A Malasakit Center has been established at the Casimiro A. Ynares, Sr. Memorial Hospital in the said town, Antipolo City Hospital System Annex IV, Bagong Cainta Municipal Hospital, and Margarito A. Duavit Memorial Hospital in Binangonan.

“Ang mental health issues ay hindi lang tungkol sa mga nag-suicide. Karamihan nito ay stress, anxiety at depression dahil hindi tayo nakakalabas ng bahay at marami ang nalulungkot. Marami din ang nawalan ng trabaho at hindi alam kung saan nila kukunin ang pambili ng mga gamit sa blended schooling o pambayad sa tuition,” said Go.

“With or without COVID-19, napaka-importante ng mental health. Magmalasakit tayo sa ating kapwa at ‘wag kayo mawalan ng pag-asa. Ginagawa namin ni Pangulong Duterte ang lahat ng aming makakaya para matulungan kayo,” he promised.

Go proceeded to thank various officials for their steadfast support and strong commitment to helping the students complete their education. Among those were 2nd District Representative Juan Fidel Nograles; Governor Rebecca Ynares; Mayor Dennis Hernandez; San Isidro Punong Barangay Mayet Hernandez and Colegio del Montalban President Rigor Quodala.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, he has supported numerous infrastructure development efforts to foster economic growth, create new jobs and improve the delivery of public services in Rizal.

Go supported the rehabilitation of the road, drainage system and slope protection structure in Barangays Macabud and San Isidro; construction of the Batangas Medical Center Annex; and rehabilitation of the flood control structures along the upper Marikina River in Brgy. Balite in Rodriguez.

He also supported other major initiatives including the improvement of the road and drainage system in Angono; construction of the Justice Building in Antipolo City; construction or improvement of a multipurpose building and new roads in Baras; purchase and installation of streetlights in San Mateo; and construction of the Taytay Sports Complex.

In demonstration of his continuing commitment to the people of Rizal as an adopted son of the CALABARZON region, the Senator's team delivered relief to 2,058 typhoon victims in the same town on Saturday, August 28.

In 2019, Go was declared an adopted son of the CALABARZON region in a manifesto issued by the governors of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon. They cited his many years of service under President Duterte and “heart for his country” through the various projects he initiated which have benefited millions of Filipinos. (OSBG)