PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go's office assisted residents of Piddig, Ilocos Norte during aid activities conducted on October 27 and 28 as he continues to advocate for more programs and efforts to help underprivileged communities deal with the global pandemic.

Go’s team strictly enforced safety and health protocols during the distribution activities held at Piddig National High School, in which 500 residents received COVID-19 essentials such as meals, masks, face shields and vitamins from the senator’s staff.

Some residents received new pairs of shoes and bicycles that would help them with their commutes given the limited access to public transportation. In addition, selected residents received computer tablets to help their children engage better during their classes under the blended learning approach.

The senator, in his video message, recognized the several government agencies for providing support for the beneficiaries and other affected sectors based on their existing assistance programs. He emphasized the need for more government initiatives to help struggling communities amid the global health crisis.

To help them start possible small business ventures, staff from the Department of Social Welfare and Development gave livelihood assistance to each of the beneficiaries through its Sustainable Livelihood Program.

"Salamat po sa DSWD sa programang SLP-LAG. Bibigyan ho kayo ng puhunan, tuturuan ho kayong magnegosyo. Palaguin n’yo po ang inyong negosyo. Mas masarap po ang pakiramdam ‘pag pinaghirapan at pinagpawisan n’yo po ang inyong pagnenegosyo,” he said.

“Dalahin n’yo po ang inyong kita sa inyong mga pamilya at gamitin ito nang tama para makaahon po tayo sa paghihirap na pinagdadaanan natin ngayon," said Go.

Go also advised those with health concerns to visit Governor Roque Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital in Laoag City and Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center in Batac City where there are Malasakit Centers available to help them with their hospital bills.

The Malasakit Centers Act, principally authored and sponsored by Go, mandates the establishment of Malasakit Centers in all Department of Health-run hospitals and the Philippine General Hospital to ensure that particularly poor and indigent patients can conveniently get medical assistance from existing programs of the Department of Health, DSWD, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Go then mentioned several government projects that he supported that will contribute to the continued growth of Piddig, such as the concreting of farm-to-market roads and procurement of medical equipment for Piddig District Hospital.

Concluding his message, the senator thanked several local government officials for spearheading the progression and development of their community amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Mga kababayan ko, kaunting tiis lang po. At ingat tayo parati at magdasal tayo parati. At tandaan niyo po, minsan lang po tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na puwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa Pilipino ay gawin na po natin ngayon. Dahil hindi na po tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” said Go.

“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. (OSBG)