PASAY CITY -- As local government units open their vaccination sites to the general public, including minors aged 12-17 years old, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continued his commitment to support pandemic-hit communities to overcome the challenges caused by the health crisis.

On Thursday, October 14, Senator Go delivered assistance to various sectoral groups in Batan and Altavas in Aklan. He assured them that the Duterte administration continues its programs to ensure no one is left behind toward recovery.

In his video message, Go renewed his appeal to Filipinos to get vaccinated so they can be protected against COVID-19. He likewise asked for the continued cooperation of the public and urged them to remain vigilant as he reassured that the government strives to balance the country’s economic and health interests.

“Nasa datos naman po ‘pag kayo po’y bakunado, mas protektado po kayo sa COVID-19. Ang bakuna lamang ang tanging susi o solusyon sa ngayon upang unti-unti tayong makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay,” Go cited.

“Ang atin pong gustong makamit ngayong taong ito ay population protection kapag 50% na po ang nabakunahan, at herd immunity naman po kapag 70% na po ang bakunado sa inyong komunidad,” he continued.

Go’s team organized two separate relief efforts at Batan Sports Complex in Batan and Odiong Elementary School in Altavas where they split the 4,000 beneficiaries into smaller batches while adhering to the necessary health protocols to prevent the further spread of the virus.

The residents then received essentials such as meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins from the senator. Some residents also brought home new pairs of shoes, bicycles, and computer tablets for us in studying under the blended learning setup.

Staff from the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided financial assistance to each recipient through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority conducted their on-site assessment wherein potential individuals were given livelihood support and scholarship grants, respectively.

In line with his commitment to provide quality health care services to those in need, Senator Go, who also serves as the Chair of Senate Committee on Health and Demography, offered medical assistance to the beneficiaries and advised them to visit Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital in Kalibo where they can conveniently access medical assistance programs by the government.

Signed into law in 2019, the Malasakit Centers Act aims to reduce a patients' hospital bill to the lowest possible amount by covering various patient services and expenses, such as surgeries, laboratory tests, and medicines.

Ending his remarks, Go thanked several local officials for their hard work and determination to help their constituents especially during these challenging times. Among the officials were Representative Carlito Marquez, Governor Florencio Miraflores, Vice Governor Reynaldo Quimpo, Batan Mayor Rodell Ramos and Vice Mayor William Bautista, and Altavas Mayor Danny Kano Refol and Vice Mayor Denny “Bulldog” Refol.

“Mga kababayan ko, magtulungan lang po tayo. Tulungan n’yo po kami ni Pangulong Duterte upang malampasan po natin itong krisis na ating kinakaharap,” Go said.

“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,” he ended.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has supported several infrastructure development initiatives in Aklan with the aim of providing greater access to economic opportunities and public services, including the improvement of a public park in Altavas.

He also supported the construction of multi-purpose buildings in Buruanga and Kalibo; rehabilitation of roads in Makato; construction of a two-storey building for Ibajay District Hospital and improvement of the Ibajay Municipal Park in Ibajay; reconstruction of Kalibo Public Market in Kalibo; improvement of a public park in Libacao; construction of an evacuation center and improvement of a slaughterhouse in Numancia; and acquisition and installation of streetlights in Tangalan.

Go’s team also provided similar assistance to thousands of vulnerable residents in Kalibo, Banga, Balete, and New Washington.

Earlier, Go explained that despite his vice presidential bid, he remains focused on his duties as a senator and public servant, especially in assisting the government and the general public in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Sabi ko nga, mamaya na muna ‘yung pulitika, tapos na ‘yung filing deadline so let’s go back to work. Unahin po natin ‘yung pagseserbisyo para sa ating mga kababayan,” said Go. (OSBG)