PASAY CITY -- On Saturday, November 6, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go personally visited and led the relief effort for 580 fire victims in General Santos City. In his speech, Go reminded the residents to take safety precautions against COVID-19 more seriously to help their community recover from crisis situations.

Go reiterated his appeal to continue adhering to the government's recommended health preventive measures and stressed that discipline and cooperation are crucial factors to stop the spread of COVID-19.

“Huwag kayong mag-alala, magtutulungan naman tayo dito. Nandito lang kami magtulungan lang tayo, ang importante buhay tayo at malampasan natin itong krisis na ating kinakaharap. Huwag kayong mag-alala, nandito ang gobyerno, nandito kami,” said Go.

“Kung ano ang kaya namin maitulong ni Presidente Duterte sa inyo, tutulong kami. Pang ilang beses na kaming nakabalik para sa mga nasunugan dito sa GenSan. Ang importante, buhay tayo at magtulungan lang tayo,” he continued.

Moreover, Go then reminded the public to do their part in helping the country attain population protection and herd immunity by participating in the national vaccination program.

"Alam niyo, nahirapan tayong magkasupply ng bakuna noong una. Pero ngayon, unti-unti ng dumarating ang mga bakuna kaya huwag na ninyong palampasin itong pagkakataon na ito," Go said.

"Kapag nandiyan na ang bakuna sa harapan ninyo, magpabakuna na po kayo para protektado po ang inyong pamilya," he added.

The senator's team then distributed financial assistance, grocery packs, meals, masks, face shields and vitamins to the fire victims at the Pacific Southbay College Institute Covered Court. The team grouped the beneficiaries into smaller batches and ensured a well-organized distribution, with necessary safety and health protocols strictly observed.

Go also gave away new pairs of shoes and bicycles. He also provided computer tablets to some residents for their children's educational needs.

Go continued his message and recognized the efforts of several government agencies for providing necessary aid to the fire-affected residents.

Personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development gave the victims financial assistance while the Department of Agriculture gave supplies of plant seeds.

Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Trade and Industry provided livelihood support to qualified recipients. The National Housing Authority, in turn, assessed the needs of the fire victims and extended necessary housing assistance.

Lastly, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority conducted an evaluation of potential beneficiaries for their skills training programs.

Continuing his message, Go also advised the public to take advantage of the services offered in the Malasakit Centers at Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital in the city or at South Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Koronadal City.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where poor and indigent patients may conveniently avail medical assistance from government agencies such as the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

"Mga kababayan, kung mayroon kayong mga pasyente, magsabi lang kayo sa aming opisina, tutulungan namin kayo maoperahan sa Davao o Manila, kami na ang mamamasahe. Sabihin niyo lang ... Meron na tayong 148 na Malasakit Center sa buong Pilipinas na handang tumulong sa inyo," Go expressed.

Senator Go thanked local leaders led by Mayor Ronnel Rivera and Punong Barangay Arthur Ryan Dupalco for their service during these challenging times. He further appealed to the leaders to continue to work until their community recovers from the challenges caused by the pandemic.

To boost infrastructure development and provide more economic opportunities in General Santos City, Go, who also serves as Vice Chair of Senate Committee on Finance, has supported the acquisition of a dump truck and the construction of multi-purpose buildings in various barangays.

He also supported the construction of roads in Banga, Lake Sebu, Norala, Tantangan and Surallah; acquisition of a dump truck for the local government of Norala; construction of riverbank protection in Koronadal City and T’boli; installation of street lights in Koronadal City, Norala and Tupi; and construction of the Bakngeb Rivercave and a slaughterhouse in T’boli.

“Salamat sa inyong pakikinig at pinapaabot ni Presidente Duterte ang pagmamahal sa inyong lahat mga taga-GenSan. Mula sa aming puso ni Presidente Duterte, maraming salamat sa tulong ninyo,” Go expressed.

“Huwag kayong mag-alala, patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo, maski kapitan na lang kami o private citizen, patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa aming kapwa tao. Mahal namin kayo na mga taga-GenSan, at ating tandaan, mag-ingat at magdasal po tayo palagi,” Go ended.

Earlier that day, Go also visited the town of Tantangan to distribute assistance to a thousand farmers to help them start anew amid the national health crisis. (OSBG)