PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher "Bong" Go's office held a relief activity in Angat, Bulacan on Monday, October 25, to support the Duterte Administration's response to the COVID-19 crisis. Go’s team extended help to micro-entrepreneurs in the province who are trying to cope with the effects of the ongoing pandemic.

In a video message, Go acknowledged the inconveniences created by the virus in the daily lives of the residents in the area, and reassured them that the country would survive these trying times if everyone will work together and follow the government's rules for reducing COVID-19 transmission and spread. He also asked the residents to get vaccinated so they are protected against the virus.

“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. ‘Pag nasa priority list na po kayo, magpabakuna na po kayo para po protektado kayo,” said Go.

“Nasa datos naman po ‘pag bakunado kayo ay mas maiiwasan po ang pagkahawa, maiiwasan po ang pagka-severe o pagkamatay dulot ng COVID-19. At pinag-aaralan po ng gobyerno ngayon na mas maluwag na restriction ‘pag ikaw ay bakunado. Kaya magpabakuna na po kayo,” he added.

The senator’s personnel distributed meals, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 400 beneficiaries at the municipal gym of Angat. The activity was conducted in batches to ensure all protocols against COVID-19 were strictly observed.

His staff gave selected residents new pairs of shoes and bicycles which they can use for a more convenient commute. They also gave computer tablets to help children access educational materials for their classes under the blended learning approach.

Moreover, personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development handed out livelihood assistance under its Sustainable Livelihood Program - Livelihood Assistance Grant program in a separate distribution.

“Salamat po sa DSWD at iba pang ahensya sa mga programa nilang pangkabuhayan. Sa pamamagitan ng iba’t ibang programang ito, mabibigyan ang mga nangangailangan ng puhunan, tuturuang magnegosyo, at tutulungang palaguin ito,” Go said.

“Mas masarap nga naman ang pakiramdam kapag pinaghirapan at pinagpawisan ang pagnenegosyo sa tamang paraan. Dalhin ninyo ang kita sa inyong mga pamilya at gamitin ito nang tama para makaahon po tayo sa paghihirap na pinagdadaanan natin ngayon,” he added.

As part of his commitment to assist particularly poor and indigent patients, the senator offered additional assistance to those who need medical care for illnesses or injuries. He also encouraged them to visit the Malasakit Center at the Bulacan Medical Center in Malolos City or Rogaciano M. Mercado Memorial Hospital in Santa Maria.

The centers are one-stop shops which brings together the national agencies that can assist patients in reducing their hospital bills to the lowest possible amount. The agencies include the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Go is the principal author and sponsor of the bill that eventually became Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. The program has opened 146 centers and assisted over three million patients nationwide since its inception in 2018.

The senator also recognized provincial and local officials for their leadership and hard work during the pandemic.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, he has supported numerous infrastructure initiatives in the province to facilitate the development of local industries and services. In Angat, he supported the construction of flood control structures and a multipurpose building. The senator also supported the construction of slope concrete river walls in Barangays Meysulao, Meyto, Bulusan, Santa Lucia, San Jose, San Miguel, and Sapang Bayan in Calumpit.

He also supported the rehabilitation of the Bulacan State University Activity Center and construction of a multi-purpose building in Malolos City; construction of drainages; provision of medical equipment for local hospitals; improvement of the Pandi District Hospital; and concreting of a farm-to-market road in San Ildefonso.

“Kami po ni Pangulong Duterte ay patuloy na magseserbisyo po sa inyong lahat sa abot ng aming makakaya. Alam ko pong nahihirapan po kayo, kami rin po ay nahihirapan,” Go said.

“Subalit kayo po ang nagbibigay lakas sa amin upang malampasan pa natin itong krisis na ating kinakaharap. Kayo po ang nagbibigay lakas sa amin na makapagserbisyo pa po sa inyong lahat. Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat,” he ended.

Despite having filed his candidacy for Vice President for the upcoming national elections, Go stressed that his focus remains on fulfilling his mandate as a senator and on ensuring public service delivery amid the ongoing crisis.

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