PASAY CITY -- The Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continued to support ongoing government efforts to deliver assistance to low-income residents in Bukidnon who belong to sectors that have been hit hard by the imposition of public health measures to contain the spread of COVID-19.

On Tuesday, October 12, Go’s staff provided meals, vitamins, masks, and face shields to a total of 1,085 residents at the Manolo Fortich gym and Sumilao municipal building. They gave selected residents new pairs of shoes or bicycles; they also gave computer tablets for children’s educational needs.

To cushion the negative impacts of the pandemic, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development also gave financial assistance in a separate distribution.

In a video message, Go recognized the tolls of the pandemic and reassured that the government is doing everything it can to assist those who are struggling to meet their basic needs. He highlighted the critical role local officials play during a crisis, assisting those who are most disadvantaged in their communities.

“Mga kababayan, magtulungan, magmalasakit at magbayanihan tayo sa ating kapwa. Huwag tayo mawalan ng pag-asa dahil nandito ang gobyernong palaging nagmamalasakit sa inyo. Hindi kayo pababayaan ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte at ng administrasyong ito,” said Go.

“Pakiusap ko sa mga mayor at kapitan, ‘wag niyong pabayaan ang mga kabarangay niyo, lalung-lalo na ‘yung mga mahihirap, dahil kayo lang ang matatakbuhan nila,” he added.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go offered to help any person with medical concerns. He informed them that they may conveniently avail of further aid from the government at the Malasakit Center located at the Bukidnon Provincial Hospital in Maramag.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop that hosts the national agencies with programs that provide medical assistance to patients, particularly the poor and indigent. The agencies include the DSWD, Department of Health, 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 Duterte signed in 2019. The law, which Go authored and sponsored in the Senate, aims to help reduce a hospital bill to the lowest possible amount by covering various patient services and expenses.

The senator went on to conclude his message to recognize 1st District Representative Maria Acosta-Alba, Governor Jose Ma. Zubiri, Jr., Manolo Fortich Mayor Clive Quiño and Vice Mayor Miguel Demata, and Sumilao Mayor Jose Villo and Vice Mayor Jhun Leparto for their continuing efforts to address the needs of their vulnerable constituents.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Go has supported various initiatives to create economic opportunities and improve the delivery of public services in Bukidnon. They include the construction of a market and multi-purpose building in Manolo Fortich and improvement of the drainage system in Sumilao.

He likewise supported Northern Bukidnon Agri-Industrial Economic Zone and Southern Bukidnon Agri-Industrial Economic Zone Road Network development projects in Baungon, Dangcagan, Don Carlos, Libona, Maramag and Pangantucan. He also supported the improvement of road links in Baungon, Libona and Talakag; an access road leading to the Bukidnon Airport; farm-to-market and local roads in Cabanglasan, Kibawe, Kitaotao, Lantapan, San Fernando, Talakag and Valencia City; and other road linkages throughout the province.

The previous week, the senator’s staff also provided aid to thousands of residents in Damulog, Kadingilan, Kibawe and Maramag. All activities were carried out in batches and strict compliance with the health and safety protocols against COVID-19. (OSBG)