PASAY CITY -- On Thursday, November 11, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continued his efforts to serve more pandemic-affected communities as he sent his team to Calumpit, Bulacan to distribute assistance to 1,030 indigents.

In his video message, the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health encouraged the beneficiaries who were in attendance at Brgy. Caniogan Covered Court to prioritize their health and well-being. He offered assistance to those with health concerns and advised them to visit the Malasakit Centers at the Bulacan Medical Center in Malolos City and at Rogaciano M. Mercado Memorial Hospital in Santa Maria.

Instituted by law in 2019, the Malasakit Centers Program aims to provide convenient access to medical assistance programs offered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

“Zero balance po ang target ng Malasakit Center, hanapin niyo lang po ang Malasakit Center diyan po sa inyong lugar. Para po 'yan sa mga poor and indigent patients, para po 'yan sa mga Pilipino, lapitan niyo lang po ang Malasakit Center,” said Go.

The senator then reminded the public to remain cooperative and supportive of the government’s efforts to end the national health crisis. He also said to continue adhering to necessary health preventive measures to help curb the spread of the virus.

Go reassured the public that vaccines are continuously acquired and rolled out to more far-flung communities to ensure that the country achieves population protection leading to herd immunity soon.

“Mga kababayan ko, nandidiyan na po ang bakuna unti-unti. ‘Pag nasa priority list na po, magpabakuna na ho kayo para po protektado po kayo. Kung mahal n’yo po ang inyong mga pamilya magpabakuna na po kayo,” Go expressed.

“Ang bakuna po ang tanging susi o solusyon para unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay. At makamtan po natin ‘yung population protection at herd immunity po para naman po sumaya naman po ang ating Pasko at makabalik na tayo sa dati nating buhay,” he continued.

Go’s outreach team enforced necessary safety and health protocols during the relief operation as they handed out essentials, such as meals, masks and vitamins to the residents. They also gave new pairs of shoes, computer tablets, and bicycles to selected residents.

Apart from the assistance provided by the senator, representatives from the DSWD provided the residents financial assistance through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.

Jhomark Pascual, 30, shared that he plans to use the assistance he received in opening a sari-sari store to help sustain his family's needs.

He then thanked Senator Go and DSWD for the support they extended to their community, saying, "Sana po ay pagpatuloy niyo lang po ang magagandang program niyo at marami po kayong natutulungan, senator."

As part of his commitment as Vice Chair of Senate Committee on Finance to boost the economic sector of the province, Go supported several infrastructure projects, including the construction of farm-to-market road in Brgy. San Miguel and the construction of slope concrete river walls in various areas, all in Calumpit.

He also supported the construction of a multi-purpose building in Plaridel; rehabilitation of the Bulacan State University Activity Center and construction of a multi-purpose building in Malolos City; provision of medical equipment for local hospitals; improvement of the Pandi District Hospital; and concreting of a farm-to-market road in San Ildefonso.

Ending his message, Go expressed his gratitude towards the local officials of Calumpit for helping in their community’s recovery, especially at the height of the national health crisis.

“Magtulungan lang po tayo mga kababayan ko, magmalasakit po tayo sa ating kapwa Pilipino at kilala naman po tayo na nagbabayanihan po. Sino ba namang magtutulungan kung hindi tayo lang po kapwa natin mga Pilipino,” he ended. (OSBG)