PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go appealed to the public to follow the government’s protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during a series of relief efforts in Ibajay, Nabas, Malay, Lezo, Malinao, Makato, Numancia, and Tangalan in Aklan for the towns' displaced micro-entrepreneurs on Wednesday, November 10.
In a video message, Go called for more patience and forbearance as he noted that a minor lapse in compliance could eventually lead to more infections and patient deaths in a community.
“Sa mga Pilipino, nakikiusap kami, habaan niyo ang inyong pasensya at sumunod tayo sa mga quarantine protocols. Sana po’y walang magpa-espesyal. Isipin niyo na sa bawat isang positibo, pagkumalat ‘yan, marami ang madadamay. ‘Yun ang ayaw nating mangyari na kumalat itong sakit na ito at bumagsak na naman ang ating healthcare system,” he reminded.
“Inuulit ko, disiplina mula sa lahat ang kailangan. Sumunod tayo sa mga paalala ng gobyerno at magsuot ng mask at face shield, mag-social distancing at maghugas ng kamay. Kung hindi kailangan ay ‘wag umalis ng pamamahay,” added Go.
His team distributed meals, vitamins and masks to a total of 575 Aklanons at Ibajay Central School, Nabas Municipal Covered Court, Cogon Barangay Plaza in Malay, Lezo Public Market, Malinao Covered Court, Numancia Sports and Cultural Center, Brgy. Mantiguib Covered Court in Makato, and Tagas Covered Court in Tangalan. The activities were conducted in batches, in compliance with the health and safety protocols against COVID-19.
The team provided selected residents bicycles and new pairs of shoes to help them in their daily commute. They also gave some residents computer tablets for children’s use under the blended learning set-up being implemented by schools.
In addition, personnel of the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided livelihood assistance under its Sustainable Livelihood Program.
“Dapat suportahan natin ang mga kababayan nating nais magsimula ng kanilang sariling negosyo. Dapat turuan at tulungan natin sila mabigyan ng kapital,” Go said.
“Salamat po sa DSWD sa programang SLP-LAG. Bibigyan ho kayo ng puhunan, tuturuan po kayong magnegosyo. Palaguin n’yo po ang inyong negosyo, gamitin n’yo po sa tama, dalahin n’yo po sa inyong pamilya ang inyong kita, “ he continued.
The Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, in turn, evaluated beneficiaries for their livelihood and scholarship programs, respectively.
“Mahirap ngayong panahon ng pandemic. Kumokonti ang negosyo namin. Walang pera ang mga tao ngayon,” said Brian dela Cruz, one of the beneficiaries. He then thanked President Rodrigo Duterte, Go, and the government agencies for the assistance he received.
“Magagamit ko po ito pambili ng kailangan sa bahay. Magnenegosyo rin po ng kaunti para lumaki ang pera. Salamat po sa tulong ninyo na marami. Malaking tulong po sa amin ito,” he added.
The senator, in his message, also offered to help cover the medical expenses of those suffering any health-related concerns. He advised those in need of medical assistance from the government to visit the Malasakit Center located at the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital in Kalibo.
The Malasakit Centers program was institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which Go principally authored and sponsored in the Senate prior to President Duterte signing it into law on December 2, 2019.
