PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s team conducted a series of distribution efforts on October 16, 17 and 18 in Iba, Zambales for 4,600 recipients, composed of farmers and fisherfolks, as part of the senator’s pledge to help Filipinos whose livelihoods are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his video message during the activities held at the Sta. Barbara and Amungan covered courts, the senator urged the public to exercise discipline and remain supportive of the government as it continues to develop and implement programs intended to boost the country’s economic recovery amid the ongoing national health crisis.

“Mga kababayan ko, magtulungan lang po tayo, magbayanihan po tayo at magmalasakit po tayo sa ating kapwa Pilipino. Ginagawa po lahat ng gobyerno para po malampasan natin itong krisis na ito,” said Go.

As the government expands vaccination roll-out to the general public, the senator reiterated his appeal to unvaccinated Filipinos belonging to priority sectors to get inoculated immediately to hasten the country’s return to normalcy.

Likewise, the senator advised the public to remain compliant with the health preventive measures against COVID-19, such as avoiding unnecessary travels, constant washing of hands, wearing of masks and face shields when in public, and maintaining social distancing.

“Pinag-aaralan po ng gobyerno ngayon na mas maluwag na restriction ‘pag ikaw ay bakunado. Kaya magpabakuna na po kayo, libre po itong bakuna. Kung ano po ‘yung bakuna na nasa harapan niyo po, magpabakuna na po kayo para po protektado kayo,” Go appealed.

Go, who is the Chair of Senate Committee on Health and Demography, encouraged the residents with medical concerns to visit the President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital in Iba where a Malasakit Center is ready to assist them with the hospital expenses.

Go principally authored and sponsored the measure that became Republic Act No. 11463, otherwise known as the Malasakit Centers Act. Under this law, all Department of Health-run hospitals and the Philippine General Hospital are mandated to open their own Malasakit Centers.

Other public hospitals may also establish their own provided they meet a standard set of criteria and can guarantee the sustainability of its operations.

With necessary safety and health protocols strictly observed, Go’s team handed out meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins to the beneficiaries. Go also gave new pairs of shoes and bicycles to select recipients to help them with their commutes.

The senator also gave computer tablets to some residents for their children to use while they pursue their studies under the blended learning approach.

Representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, in turn, provided separate aid as they granted residents with financial assistance to help sustain their daily needs. Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture distributed assorted vegetables.

The Department of Trade and Industry assessed those eligible for their livelihood programs while the DOH distributed medicines and vitamins to the residents.

As Vice Chair of Senate Committee on Finance, Go supported initiatives to improve public service delivery such as the acquisition of multicabs and construction of a multipurpose building as part of the senator’s commitment to help in the economic recovery of the town.

He also supported other initiatives in the province, including the rehabilitation of roads in Candelaria, Masinloc, Olongapo City, San Felipe, and San Marcelino; construction of a multi-purpose buildings and installation of street lights in Botolan; rehabilitation of a public market in San Antonio; and the construction of seawall in Brgy. North Poblacion in Masinloc.

“Kaya pakiusap lang namin ni Pangulong Duterte, magtulungan lang po tayo at magmalasakit po tayo sa ating kapwa Pilipino. Mga kababayan ko, magtulungan lang tayo para malampasan natin ang krisis na kinakaharap,” Go ended. (OSBG)