PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher "Bong" Go asked the national government to continue to work hand in hand with local governments to address the needs of suffering communities as the country battles the COVID-19 pandemic. He said that all measures must be undertaken to ensure that no Filipino is left behind towards recovery.

In a video message delivered by Go during aid activities in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija from October 13 to 15, he underscored the importance of listening to local groups and other civil society sectors in order to provide comprehensive services that best serve a community's needs.

“Mahirap ang sitwasyon ngayon. Nasa krisis tayo dulot ng COVID-19 at marami ang nawalan ng trabaho. Marami ang nagsara na negosyo at maraming [overseas Filipino workers] din ang umuwi. Ang bawat isa nito ay mayroong pamilyang binubuhay,” said Go.

“Kaya mas paigtingin pa natin ang ating pagseserbisyo lalo na sa panahon ngayon na nangangailangan ang mga Pilipino. Hindi pwede ang papatay-patay sa gobyerno. Magtulungan po tayo at 'wag patulugin ang trabaho,” he appealed.

The senator’s team distributed meals, vitamins, masks, and face shields to a total of 5,053 indigent residents. The activities were carried out in batches in compliance with health requirements.

Selected beneficiaries received new pairs of shoes while those relying on public transport for their daily commute received bicycles. Others received computer tablets for their children to use in their classes under the new blended learning approach.

Furthermore, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development also handed out financial assistance as part of a continuing effort by the government to assist low-income communities on the frontlines of the pandemic.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, the senator reminded the public to follow the protocols to slow the spread of COVID-19 so hospitals can continue to provide care during the pandemic. He offered to help those seeking medical care and advised them to visit the nearest Malasakit Center where they may avail of assistance for their medical expenses.

To improve access to healthcare services, Go had authored and sponsored the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. The law provides for the establishment of one-stop shops which provide convenient access to 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 Eduardo L. Joson Memorial Hospital and Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center in Cabanatuan City and the Talavera General Hospital.

To end, Go proceeded to thank various officials for their support in helping the communities get the assistance they need. Among these were 1st District Rep. Estrellita Suansing, Governor Aurelio Umali, Vice Governor Emmanuel Umali, and Mayor Alam Gamilla.

In demonstration of his steadfast commitment as an adopted son of Nueva Ecija, Go also supported various infrastructure initiatives in the province in his capacity as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance. They included the completion of the DPJGMRMC in Cabanatuan City; rehabilitation of several roads in Cabiao, General Tinio, Pantabangan, Zaragoza and Cabanatuan City; construction of multi-purpose buildings in Gabaldon, Sta. Rosa and Cabanatuan City; and construction of flood mitigation structures in General Tinio, Quezon, San Antonio, and Zaragoza.

He supported other initiatives, such as the reconstruction of the Llanera public market; rehabilitation of the Baloc public market; and installation of street lights in Zaragoza.

Despite filing his candidacy for Vice President for the upcoming national elections, Go stressed that his focus remains on fulfilling his mandate as a senator and ensuring that no Filipino will be left behind towards recovery.

“Mga kababayan ko, kaunting tiis lang po at ingat tayo parati at magdasal tayo parati. At tandaan niyo po, minsan lang po tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na puwede natin gawin sa ating kapwa Pilipino ay gawin na po natin ngayon dahil hindi na po tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” said Go.

“Kami po ni Pangulong Duterte ay patuloy na magseserbisyo po sa inyong lahat, dahil para sa amin po, ang serbisyo po sa tao, serbisyo po ‘yan sa Diyos. Mga minamahal kong kababayan, mahal na mahal po namin kayo,” he ended. (OSBG)