PASAY CITY -- In keeping with his commitment to constituency work, the Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go mounted its latest relief effort for the residents of Davao City.

In a video message on Friday, November 5, Go appealed to local officials and residents alike to show concern for their neighbors by extending any act of kindness so they can cope with the impacts of the ongoing crisis.

“Mga kababayan, magtulungan, magmalasakit at magbayanihan tayo sa ating kapwa. Huwag tayo mawalan ng pag-asa dahil nandito ang gobyernong palaging nagmamalasakit sa inyo. Hindi kayo pababayaan ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte at ng administrasyong ito,” reassured Go.

“Pakiusap ko din sa mga kapitan, 'wag niyong pabayaan ang mga kabarangay niyo, lalung-lalo na ‘yung mga mahihirap na walang matakbuhan kundi ang gobyerno,” he added.

Go's personnel provided meals, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 1,500 farmers, senior citizens and other residents at the Barangays New Carmen, New Valencia and Talandang covered courts.

They gave selected residents new shoes and bicycles for work-related activities, as well as computer tablets for children’s access to blended learning.

In addition, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development distributed financial assistance to help alleviate the impacts of the pandemic. The Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, in turn, conducted assessments for their livelihood assistance and skills training programs, respectively.

The senator also offered further assistance to any resident needing medical care. He advised them to visit the Malasakit Center located at the Southern Philippines Medical Center where they can apply for further government aid to cover their hospital and other medical-related expenses.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop which provides a simplified and streamlined process for requesting medical-related assistance from the government. It aims to reduce a hospital bill to the lowest possible amount by covering patient services and fees, such as surgeries, laboratory tests, and medicines.

Its partner agencies include the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

“Nasa loob na ho ng ospital ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno na mag-aambag-ambag para sa hospital bill ninyo hanggang maging zero balance ito. Lapitan niyo lang ito para hindi niyo na kailangang mangutang o mag-sangla para kayo ay makapagpagamot,” explained Go, who principally authored and sponsored the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.

The lawmaker proceeded to acknowledge various government officials for their work during the pandemic. They include 3rd District Representative Isidro Ungab, Mayor Sara Duterte, Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte, New Carmen Punong Barangay Jerry Ceballos, New Valencia Punong Barangay Delia Saturnias, and Talandang Punong Barangay Cinderela Hiyas.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, he has supported various infrastructure initiatives to promote economic growth and alleviate poverty in Davao City. Among these are the construction of various multi-purpose buildings and local roads; rehabilitation of water systems, drainage systems and flood control structures in different barangays throughout the city; and the construction of a 300-bed capacity infectious diseases building for the SPMC and acquisition of ambulances.

From November 3 to 4, a similar series of activities were held in Barangays 35-D, Tacunan, Matina-Biao and Ulas during which Go's personnel also distributed aid to 1,600 women, unemployed workers, indigent residents, and members of the local lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans community.

All activities were conducted in batches to ensure the strict enforcement of all health and safety protocols. (OSBG)