PASAY CITY -- On Tuesday, November 9, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go’s team led a relief effort for 84 families affected by monsoon rains in Tupi, Tampakan, and Surallah in South Cotabato. In a video message, Go reminded the residents to take safety precautions against COVID-19 more seriously to help their community recover from crisis situations.

The senator also 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.

Moreover, Go 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 magka-supply 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 distributed grocery packs, meals, masks and vitamins to the monsoon victims at the municipal gym in Tupi. They also gave away new pairs of shoes and bicycles, as well as computer tablets for children's educational needs.

Personnel from the National Housing Authority distributed housing assistance to those whose houses were totally damaged by the incident.

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 of 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.

Go thanked local leaders 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 natural disasters and the pandemic.

To boost infrastructure development and provide more economic opportunities, Go, who also serves as Vice Chair of Senate Committee on Finance, has 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.

“Huwag kayong mag-alala, patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo, maski kapitan na lang kami o private citizen, patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa aming kapwa tao,” Go ended.

On November 6, Go personally visited and led a relief effort for 580 fire victims in General Santos City. On the same day, he also visited the town of Tantangan to distribute assistance to a thousand farmers to help them start anew amid the national health crisis. (OSBG)