PASAY CITY -- In view of his commitment to help the most vulnerable amid the COVID-19 outbreak, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go delivered assistance to hundreds of struggling residents in Mati City, Davao Oriental on Tuesday, October 12.

“Mga kababayan ko, unti-unti na pong dumarating ang mga bakuna, magtiwala ho kayo sa bakuna. ‘Pag nasa priority list na ho kayo, magpabakuna na po kayo para po protektado kayo at ang inyong pamilya,” Go appealed in his video message.

“Nasa datos naman po ‘pag kayo po’y bakunado mas protektado po kayo sa pagkasakit ng COVID-19 o ito pong grabeng pagkasakit ng COVID-19 at maiiwasan po ang pagkamatay ‘pag kayo po ay protektado,” he continued

As Chair of Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go likewise reminded the public to remain vigilant and adhere to necessary health protocols as the government continues to get sufficient supplies of vaccines to ensure that more Filipinos are protected against the threat of the virus.

He also reiterated his appeal to the local officials to closely assist the elderly and inoculate them in their homes, if possible, as they are known to be more prone to the virus.

“Kung mahal n’yo po ang inyong mga anak, kung mahal n’yo po ang inyong mga pamilya magpabakuna na po kayo. ‘Yon po ang tanging susi sa ngayon para makabalik po tayo sa ating normal na pamumuhay at sana po’y sumaya rin po ang ating Pasko ngayong taong ito,” said Go.

Go, who recently joined the vice presidential race, reaffirmed his commitment of providing access to quality health care particularly to low-income communities nationwide. He informed the residents that there is a Malasakit Center in Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center that they may visit to easily access medical assistance programs by the government.

“Kung kailangan niyo magpa-opera, mayroon nang Malasakit Center dito. Puntahan niyo lang 'yan o lapitan niyo ang aking staff at tutulungan namin kayo. Mayroon na tayong 143 na Malasakit Centers sa buong Pilipinas na tutulong para sa mga pangangailangang medikal niyo. Inyo ito, para ito sa mga Pilipino,” explained Go.

Go’s team then distributed essentials, such as snacks, masks, face shields, and vitamins to the 390 beneficiaries. The outreach team also gave new pairs of shoes, computer tablets, and bicycles to select recipients.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development also distributed financial assistance while the Department of Agriculture gave away plant seeds.

The Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Trade and Industry conducted assessments of potential beneficiaries for their respective assistance programs. Lastly, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority determined individuals for their scholarship program.

The activity was conducted at Mati Cultural Center and was held in batches to ensure strict compliance with the health and safety protocols against COVID-19.

The senator ended his remarks as he gave recognition to the local government officials for working hand-in-hand to ensure their community builds back better amid the pandemic.

As Vice Chair of Senate Committee on Finance, the Senator supported the rehabilitation of Buso Hot Spring Park to further help in the economic recovery of the city.

In addition, Senator Go also supported other initiatives in the province, including construction and rehabilitation of roads in Baganga, Boston, Caraga, Cateel, and Lupon; installation of street lights in several barangays in Banaybanay; construction of potable water system in Baganga, and Lupon; and the construction of a municipal slaughterhouse in San Isidro. (OSBG)