Senator Christopher "Bong" Go's office continued its relief efforts for the residents of Eastern Samar, this time giving much-needed support to residents in Balangiga and Lawaan who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Tuesday, October 19, Go, in a video message, reminded the public to follow the necessary health regulations in order to halt the spread of the virus while the government strives to reopen the economy and return to normalcy.

“Sa aking mga kababayan, isapuso natin palagi na nakadepende sa tamang pag-iingat ang pagpigil ng pagkalat ng COVID-19. Kung hindi tayo makikiisa, mas malalagay sa peligro ang ating sarili at mga komunidad,” said Go.

“Kung hindi tayo susunod sa patakaran at tataas na naman ang bilang ng mga kaso, maaaring kailanganing higpitan pa lalo ang quarantine restrictions at magreresulta na naman ito sa pagsara ng kabuhayan. Mas hahaba pa ang kalbaryo natin laban sa pandemyang ito,” he cautioned.

The senator’s staff distributed meals, vitamins, masks, and face shields to a total of 2,000 residents from different sectoral groups. They gave selected residents new pairs of shoes and bicycles, as well as computer tablets for children’s blended learning activities.

In a separate distribution, a team from the Department of Social Welfare and Development also handed out financial assistance under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program. The Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, in turn, assessed potential beneficiaries for their respective assistance programs.

The senator noted that many Filipinos living in poor or remote areas are unable to access medical treatment. Those who are dealing with out-of-pocket charges, according to Go, may go to the Malasakit Center at the Eastern Samar Provincial Hospital in Borongan City, where they can conveniently get government medical assistance.

“Inuuna namin ni Pangulong Duterte ang mga mahihirap, ‘yung helpless, hopeless at walang matakbuhan. Kaya hindi pumipili ang Malasakit Center. Basta Pilipino ka, qualified ka. Wala nang dahilan para hindi kayo matulungan, kahit na poor at indigent patient ka,” reassured Go.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop which brings together the relevant agencies, namely the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, under one roof. Go had principally authored and sponsored the bill that became Republic Act No. 11463, also known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.

The senator ended his message thanking government officials for all the work they have done throughout the pandemic. They include Representative Maria Fe Abunda, Governor Ben Evardone, Vice Governor Maria Goteesan, Balangiga Mayor Mayor Randy D. Graza and Vice Mayor Samuel A. Enciso, and Lawaan Mayor Athene Lagrimas Mendros and Vice Mayor Ravi Parker Gañas Inciso.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go supported the construction of the access road from the National Highway to Bolusao National High School, and the construction of a slope protection structure in Lawaan to create more economic opportunities for the residents.

In the province, he supported the rehabilitation of local roads in Balangkayan, Giporlos, Jipapad, Lawaan, Maslog, Quinapondan, San Julian, Sulat, and Taft; construction of the Borongan Community Hospital; construction of a slope protection structure in Borongan City; construction of multi-purpose buildings in Jipapad, Maydolong, and Oras; construction of a slaughterhouse in Maydolong; improvement of the drainage systems in Can-Avid; and acquisition of ambulance units for the local governments of Maslog and Quinapondan.

Last week, his team also provided relief to thousands more residents in Borongan City, Dolores, Hernani, Maydolong, Mercedes, San Julian, Sulat, and Taft. All activities are carried out in batches in compliance with the health and safety protocols against COVID-19. (OSBG)