PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, in partnership with several government agencies, provided assistance to thousands of vulnerable residents in Jamindan and Tapaz, Capiz on Thursday, November 11, as part of his commitment to boost the economic recovery of those adversely affected by the national health crisis.

“Mga kababayan ko, nasa krisis po tayo dulot ng COVID-19. Marami po ang nawalan ng trabaho, marami po ang nagsara ng negosyo dahil po sa pagsara ng ekonomiya dahil tumataas po ang kaso. Kaya naman nakikiusap po kami sa inyong kooperasyon upang malagpasan natin ang krisis na kinakaharap,” Go appealed in his video message.

Go’s team organized the distribution activities at the respective municipal gymnasiums of Jamindan and Tapaz and assisted a total of 4,000 individuals. The team divided the beneficiaries into smaller batches, in compliance with health and safety protocols.

The team distributed snacks, masks and vitamins. They also gave select residents new pairs of shoes, bicycles and computer tablets intended to help their children in their blended learning activities.

Meanwhile, Go thanked the several government agencies for supporting those in need as they extended support to help various sectoral groups cope with challenges brought by the pandemic.

Representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided the beneficiaries with financial assistance. The Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, in turn, determined potential beneficiaries for their livelihood and scholarship programs, respectively.

Niño dela Cruz, a 44-year-old freelancer, shared that since mass gatherings are not allowed at this time of pandemic, he had a hard time looking for clients who may need his service as a make-up artist. He then expressed his appreciation towards the support he received from Senator Go and mentioned that he will strive to start a small-business while he waits for the country to return to normalcy.

“Para sa aming mga hikahos sa buhay, malaking pasasalamat po ang mga biyayang natanggap namin ngayon mula sa gobyerno at kay Senator Bong Go. Dahil sa mga binigay niyo, makakatulong sa amin ito mairaos namin ang pang-araw-araw namin na pangangailangan,” dela Cruz expressed.

As he continues to develop measures that would provide Filipinos convenient access to quality health care services, Go offered further assistance to residents with health concerns and encouraged them to visit the Malasakit Center at Roxas Provincial Memorial Hospital in Roxas City where concerned agencies will provide necessary assistance to lower their medical expenses.

The senator, who also serves as the Chair of Senate Committee on Health and Demography, urged the residents to get inoculated according to the vaccination program guidelines. Go reassured that the government strives to acquire more vaccines to ensure that more Filipinos get protected against COVID-19.

Go then thanked the local government leaders of Jamindan and Tapaz for supporting their constituents during these difficult times.

As Vice Chair of Senate Committee on Finance, Go aims to boost the development and economic opportunities of the province. He extended his support to several projects such as the rehabilitation of roads in Jamindan, as well as drainage canal improvement and conversion of a multi-purpose building to a quarantine facility in Tapaz.

Go also supported the acquisition of an ambulance for the local government of Dumarao; road improvements in Ma-ayon, Mambusao, Panay, Pilar and Sapian; and construction of a five-storey New Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital (RMPH) Building in Roxas City.

“Importante sa amin ni Pangulong Duterte ang buhay po at kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino. Buhay po natin, pangalagaan po natin. Kalusugan po natin, pangalagaan po natin,” he ended. (OSBG)