PASAY CITY -- The Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go provided relief to the indigent residents and displaced workers in Mariveles, Bataan from October 26 to 29 as part of his commitment to support the government’s efforts to address the economic and health challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis.

In a video message, Go reiterated the importance of the protocols against COVID-19 as he warned that the restrictions on movement and gatherings will remain in place until case counts drop to more manageable levels.

“Kahit ano pa mang quarantine restrictions ang iimplementa natin, mas importante dito ang disiplina, pag-iingat, at kooperasyon ng lahat. Sumunod tayo sa mga itinakdang health protocols para maging matagumpay ang ating mga hakbang na mapigilan ang pagkalat ng COVID-19 habang ibinabalik ang sigla ng ekonomiya,” appealed Go.

“Malaki ang epekto ng malinis na kapaligiran para maiwasan ang pagkalat ng sakit. Kaya I encourage everyone to exercise diligence and keep your surroundings clean to protect yourselves, your loved ones and your communities,” he added.

Go’s team provided meals, grocery packs, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 9,173 beneficiaries at the Standard Factory Building No. 7 in Phase 1, Freeport Area of Bataan. They gave selected residents new shoes and bicycles for commuting, as well as computer tablets to help children with their studies.

Moreover, a team from the Department of Social Welfare and Development also handed out financial assistance under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.

A similar effort was conducted for 10,790 workers of the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan last October 12 to 15. All activities were conducted in batches to ensure strict compliance with the mandated protocols against COVID-19.

The senator, who heads the Senate Committee on Health, expressed concern during his message that the pandemic may have disrupted the provision of vital health services for the sick and other vulnerable groups. He offered his assistance so they can receive the treatment and medication they require without worrying about the expenses.

Go also advised them to seek further aid from the government through the Malasakit Center at the Mariveles Mental Wellness and General Hospital or Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center in Balanga City. The center is a one-stop shop for the medical assistance programs of the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

“Batas ito na aking isinulong at pinirmahan ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte. Mayroon na ngayong 146 na Malasakit Centers sa buong Pilipinas. Ang target ng center ay zero balance para wala ng babayaran sa ospital ang mga poor and indigent patients,” he explained.

The senator proceeded to thank 2nd District Representative Jose Enrique Garcia III, Governor Albert Garcia, Vice Governor Ma. Cristina Garcia, Mayor Jocelyn Castañeda and Vice Mayor Angelito Rubia for working together to ensure the health and safety of their constituents during the pandemic.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Go supported the construction of a multi-purpose in Mariveles and other infrastructure development initiatives to spur economic activity and job creation in Bataan.

Other major initiatives he supported include the construction of multi-purpose buildings in Bagac, Hermosa, Orion, Pilar and Balanga City; concreting of the Kawayan Kiling farm-to-market road in Pilar and Limay; improvement of the Laguit Road in Bagac; installation of LED streetlights along the secondary national roads, Orani Public Market access roads and common terminal; rehabilitation of the river wall project in Orion; construction of a drainage canal at Catmon Road; construction of a municipal slaughterhouse in Hermosa; and construction of the Orani District Hospital.

Last May 18, Go personally attended the signing of the Deed of Donation for the land on which the Philippine Sports Training Center will be built in Bagac. The facility is expected to be completed by 2025.

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. Unahin po natin ‘yung pagseserbisyo at pagmamalasakit para sa ating mga kababayan,” said Go. (OSBG)