PASAY CITY -- Recognizing the hard work and contributions of the agricultural sector in the country’s economy, the Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go organized a three-day distribution activity for hog raisers in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental from October 19 to 21, whose livelihood was severely affected by the pandemic and the African Swine Fever (ASF) virus.

In his video message, Go reassured that the government will remain committed in bringing necessary support to the agricultural sector while reaffirming that it, together with the concerned agencies, will continue to promote the welfare and interests of workers during these challenging times.

“Gagawin po natin ang lahat sa abot ng ating makakaya upang makapagbigay ng tulong at makapag-iwan ng ngiti sa oras ng inyong pagdadalamhati. Kung may maitutulong kami sa inyo, magsabi lang kayo sa amin ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte. Huwag kayo mahiyang lumapit sa amin dahil trabaho namin ang magserbisyo sa inyo,” reassured Go.

He then called for stricter compliance with the health preventive measures as he warned Filipinos not to be complacent amid the threats of COVID-19.

“Mga kababayan, pwede na po magpabakuna ang mga frontliners, senior citizens, adults with comorbidities, economic frontliners, at ‘yung ibang indigents depende sa dating ng supply sa lugar ninyo. Magpabakuna na kayo at libre naman ‘to. Ang bakuna ang susi para makabalik na tayo sa ating normal na pamumuhay,” said Go.

“Pero habang patuloy tayong nagbabakuna, ‘wag maging kumpiyansa. Inuulit ko, disiplina ang kailangan. Sumunod tayo sa mga paalala ng gobyerno at magsuot ng mask at face shield, mag-social distancing at maghugas ng kamay. Kung hindi kailangan ay ‘wag umalis ng pamamahay dahil delikado pa po ang panahon,” he added.

Senator Go’s staff provided snacks, vitamins, masks, and face shields to a total of 443 beneficiaries at the respective covered courts of Barangays Gusa, Macanhan, Bulua, and Taglimao. The activity was conducted in batches in compliance with health and safety protocols against COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture granted financial assistance to ASF-affected farmers. The Department of Social Welfare and Development, on the other hand, gave them grocery packs.

To make sure their health concerns are addressed, the senator, who is also the Chair of Senate Committee on Health and Demography, urged those with medical concerns to avail medical assistance programs in the existing Malasakit Centers in the city located at Northern Medical Center and JR Borja General Hospital.

The law, which Go principally authored and sponsored, aims to provide Filipinos, particularly poor and indigent patients convenient access to quality health care services by putting all concerned agencies, including DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, under one roof.

As Vice Chair of Senate Committee on Finance, Go supported several initiatives in the city that aim to boost its economic development amid the pandemic. Among these projects are the construction of flood control structures along Iponan River, construction of the city’s drainage system, acquisition of several ambulance units, fire truck and dump truck, and the construction of a three-storey multi-purpose building in Brgy. 33.

He also supported the rehabilitation of local roads in Baliangao, Balingasag, Balingoan, Initao, Lagonglong, Laguindingan, Libertad, Lugait, Magsaysay, Manticao, and El Salvador City; construction of water systems in Balingasag and Jasaan; construction of multi-purpose buildings in Initao, Magsaysay, and Gingoog City; and flood control projects in Magsaysay, Medina, and Gingoog City.

As part of Senator Go’s efforts to provide assistance to those in need, his team previously gave assistance to more struggling residents and agricultural workers in Alubijid, Balingasag, Balingoan, Binuangan, and Lagonglong. (OSBG)