PASAY CITY -- The Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continued its relief efforts in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur on Thursday, November 11, assisting hundreds of residents belonging to the vulnerable sectors adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a video message, Go reaffirmed that he will continue to protect the welfare of the Filipinos and remain focused on helping the government to end the national health crisis for the betterment of the nation.

He then appealed to the local authorities to ensure that necessary protective measures are in place so that residents can continue to safely carry out their daily essential activities.

“Mga kababayan, ang laban sa COVID-19 ay nag-uumpisa sa ating mga tahanan at komunidad. Ang pagsunod natin sa patakaran, pag-alaga sa ating kalusugan, pagsuot ng mask at pag-obserba ng physical distancing ay mga simpleng paraan na makakatulong sa bayan na malampasan ang krisis na ito,” said Go.

“Huwag sana tayo maging kampante at huwag kayo maging kumpyansa. Let us remain vigilant since the fight is far from over. Let me remind everyone that your compliance with the health protocols will save lives and help the economy recover,” he added.

The senator’s staff provided snacks, vitamins and masks to a total of 290 residents in batches at the Sibagat Municipal Hall Crisis Center.

They gave selected residents new bicycles, as well as computer tablets to help children participate better in their classes under the blended learning approach.

Additionally, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided financial assistance as part of the government’s efforts to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on struggling communities.

The Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Trade and Industry provided livelihood support to potential beneficiaries through their respective assistance programs. Meanwhile, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority assessed potential beneficiaries for its scholarship grants.

Go, who also serves as the Chair of Senate Committee on Health, advised the residents to visit the Malasakit Center in Democrito O. Plaza Memorial Hospital in Prosperidad where they may conveniently avail of medical assistance from the government.

Launched by Go in 2018, the Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop which provides particularly poor and indigent patients convenient access to the medical assistance programs offered by relevant agencies, namely the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Aiming to encourage more Filipinos to get inoculated against COVID-19, Go also reiterated his call for the government to consider providing cash incentives to the vaccinated members of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in addition to what they are already entitled under the law.

“Muli po akong nananawagan sa gobyerno na pag-aralan ang posibilidad na bigyan ng dagdag ayuda bilang insentibo ang mga fully vaccinated na miyembro ng 4Ps,” said Go.

"Sa paraang ito, naenganyo na natin silang magpabakuna, nabigyan pa natin sila ng dagdag na tulong. Bagamat walang pilitan, wala rin naman tayong tigil na hikayatin sila dahil bakuna ang tanging susi at solusyon tungo sa pagbalik sa normal na pamumuhay," he added.

Concluding his message, Go expressed his gratitude towards the local officials of Sibagat, led by Mayor Maria Liza Evangelista, for their efforts to assist those most vulnerable and in need.

To boost the economic growth and public service delivery in the province, Go supported many infrastructure initiatives, including the development of a public park and construction of a slaughterhouse and a multi-purpose building, all in Sibagat.

He also supported the construction of a municipal evacuation center in Talacogon, and the construction of a multi-purpose building and the acquisition of ambulance units and dump trucks for the local government of San Luis.

He also supported the construction and improvement of existing roads in Bayugan, Bunawan, Prosperidad and Veruela; concreting of local roads in Esperanza and La Paz; construction of multi-purpose buildings in Bayugan and Prosperidad; construction of an evacuation center in Prosperidad; improvement of the Adlayan riverbank in San Francisco; installation of reinforced concrete pipe culvert with pavement widening in Trento; and purchase and installation of solar street lights in Esperanza.

“Maraming salamat po at tandaan natin, parati po tayong mag-ingat at mag dasal. Tandaan po natin, minsan lang po tayo dadaan sa mundong ito, kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na puwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa tao ay gawin na po natin ngayon dahil hindi na po tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” Go expressed.

Kami po ni Pangulong Duterte ay patuloy hong magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil para sa amin ang serbisyo po sa tao ay serbisyoa po 'yan sa Diyos,” he ended.

Go’s staff previously provided similar assistance to more residents in the cities of Bayugan and Butuan, and the towns of Loreto, La Paz, Rosario, San Francisco, Esperanza, Talacogon and San Luis. (OSBG)