PASAY CITY -- In line with his commitment to help communities in times of crisis, the Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go conducted a five-day relief effort in Victoria, Tarlac from October 25 and 29 for those most vulnerable to COVID-19, such as the poor, disabled and the elderly.
In a video message at the activities, Go assured that the government continues to prioritize marginalized sectors and urged the public to adhere to the mandated health and safety protocols as an act of cooperation and compassion for others.
“Hindi kayo pababayaan ng gobyernong palaging nagmamalasakit sa inyo. Ipaglalaban namin palagi ang kapakanan ng mga mahihirap lalo na ‘yung mga wala nang matakbuhan. Magtulungan tayo para masiguradong walang maiiwan sa muling pagbangon ng ating bayan,” said Go.
“Kailangan namin ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ang kooperasyon ng bawat Pilipino. Patuloy tayong sumunod sa mga patakaran at kung hindi kailangan ay ‘wag muna tayo umalis ng ating pamamahay para maiwasan ang pagkalat ng coronavirus at iba pang mga karamdaman,” he reminded.
The senator’s staff distributed meals, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 4,195 senior citizens and persons with disabilities. The activities were carried out in batches at the covered courts in Barangays Balayang, Balbaloto, Bangar, Mangolago and San Andres and Bulwagan in strict observance of the protocols against COVID-19.
Selected residents received new shoes while others received bicycles so they can easily commute despite the limited transportation options available. Some also received computer tablets to help their children with their blended learning activities.
Additionally, a team from the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided each recipient with financial assistance as part of a continuing effort by government to alleviate the impacts of the pandemic for the most vulnerable.
“Gumagawa po ako ng mga miniature figurines at mga key chains. Ang hirap nung nagkapandemya kasi hindi ko mabili ‘yung mga kailangan ko at limitado ang galaw namin. Medyo nahinto tuloy ‘yung pinagkakakitaan ko at nauubos na ang savings namin. Pero nagpapasalamat kami sa aming mayor (Christian Yap), lalo na sa kanyang asawa, na tumutulong para maka-survive kami,” said Dominic Gamis, 41.
“Maraming salamat sa administrasyong ito dahil mas nabibigyan pansin na kaming mga may kapansanan. Gagamitin ko ang tulong na ito para makapagsimula muli at ipagpatuloy ang aking hanapbuhay,” he added.
In his message, the senator, who is Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, offered to help those with chronic illnesses and underlying health concerns. He informed them that they may avail of further aid from the government through the Malasakit Center at the Tarlac Provincial Hospital in Tarlac City.
Go is the principal author and sponsor of the bill that became Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. The center are one-stop shops which bring together the national agencies that offer medical assistance programs, namely the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, under one roof.
“Ito ang pinakaunang batas na isinulong ko nang naging senador ako nung 2019. Ang Malasakit Center ay para sa mga poor at indigent patients. Wala itong pinipili. Karapatan niyo bilang Pilipino ang maka-avail ng serbisyo nito,” continued Go.
“Kung hindi sapat ang tulong ng mga ahensya, may iniwang pondo din ang Office of the President para maging ‘zero balance’ ang billing niyo at wala na kayong babayaran sa ospital. Kung may pasyente na hindi naman kayang gamutin diyan, pwede din natin kayong dalhin dito sa Maynila at ako na ang sasagot sa gastusin niyo,” he added.
The senator ended his message thanking various officials for their hard work and commitment in the prolonged fight against COVID-19. He recognized 2nd District Representative Victor Yap; Governor Susan Yap; Vice Governor Carlito David; Mayor Yap; Vice Mayor Rex Agustin; and Councilors Mary Viernes, Michael Agustin, Artemio Roque, Tristian Guiam, Eric Saguyod, Jean Lim, Eulalio Gacula, Arnel Gacusan, Ariel Tabangay and John Lim.
As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has supported many local initiatives to improve access to jobs, markets, and services. They include the construction of the Palacpalac-Lalapac Bypass Road, Sta. Barbara-Bulo Bypass Road and Maluid-Cruz Bypass Road, as well as the improvement of a multi-purpose building in Victoria.
Other initiatives include the construction or improvement of roads in Bamban, Concepcion, Gerona, La Paz, Pura, Santa Ignacia, San Jose and Tarlac City; improvement of the flood control structures along the Moriones River in Tarlac City; construction of multi-purpose building in San Manuel; and construction of a new public market in Bambam.
From October 18 to 21, his team also provided aid to 9,000 micro-entrepreneurs and 2,000 indigent families in Tarlac City and Moncada. (OSBG)
