PASAY CITY -- On November 12 and 13, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go sent aid to thousands of vulnerable individuals in Dao, Sigma, Cuartero, Mambusao and Dumalag in Capiz as part of his commitment to help in the recovery of various sectors from the negative impact of the pandemic.

Go’s staff facilitated the distribution activities at Dao Social Hall, Sigma Civic Center, Cuartero Municipal Gymnasium, Mambusao Covered Gym and Dumalag Civic Center. The team grouped the 11,000 beneficiaries into smaller batches and implemented necessary health protocols for public’s safety.

They gave away snacks, masks and vitamins. The team also gave new pairs of shoes, bicycles, and computer tablets to select residents.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program, gave financial assistance to the beneficiaries.

The Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority also assessed those who may be eligible for their various livelihood and skills training programs.

In an interview, Earl Kristian Relova, 25, expressed his gratitude towards Senator Go for making certain that more poor communities are supported during these challenging times, especially since he lost his job due to the pandemic.

“Nakakaraos kami sa pang-araw-araw sa konting sideline lang po at kung ano pong pwede pang trabaho. Kaya maraming maraming salamat po Senator Go, malaking tulong po itong natanggap ko lalo na sa pagpapagamot ko sa lolo ko,” Relova said.

In a video message, Go emphasized the importance of getting vaccinated and encouraged eligible residents to take part in the national inoculation drive. He also mentioned that the government is continuously rolling out the vaccines to more far-flung communities to ensure that more Filipinos are protected against the virus.

“Importante po ang target natin, makamit natin ang herd immunity ngayong taong ito. Iyan po ang kailangan para unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa normal na pamumuhay at sumigla muli ang ating ekonomiya,” said Go.

In line with his commitment to ensure more Filipinos are protected from the virus, Go reiterated his call to grant cash incentives to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) fully-vaccinated members to boost confidence in and raise awareness on the importance of vaccines.

“Alam niyo, 84 percent ng mga 4Ps beneficiaries ay takot sa bakuna. Kailangang paigtingin pa natin ang pagpa-intindi sa kanila. Hindi ako sang-ayon sa ‘no bakuna, no ayuda’ kaya baliktarin natin. Nakapag-suggest na ako kay Pangulong Duterte na bigyan ng 500 pesos cash incentive ang lahat ng beneficiaries para maengganyo sila,” shared Go.

The Chair of Senate Committee on Health extended additional aid to those with health concerns and advised them to seek medical attention at Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital in Roxas City where there is a Malasakit Center ready to cover and assist in their medical expenses.

Senator Go principally authored and sponsored Republic Act No. 11463, otherwise known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, to ensure that poor and indigent patients have better and and more convenient access to quality health care services.

“Ang Malasakit Center po’y handang tumulong po sa inyo para po ‘yan sa mga poor and indigent patients. Zero balance po ang target niyan. One-stop shop na po ‘yan, lapitan niyo lang po ang Malasakit Center diyan po sa inyong lugar,” said Go.

He then expressed his gratitude towards the local leaders of Dao, Sigma, Cuartero, Mambusao and Dumalag who continue extending necessary support to help their respective communities recover amid crisis situations.

To further help create more economic opportunities for the province, Go, who serves as Vice Chair of Senate Committee on Finance, 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.

Go also supported the rehabilitation of roads in Jamindan; and drainage canal improvement and the conversion of a multi-purpose building to a quarantine facility in Tapaz.

“Magtiwala lang ho kayo sa gobyerno. Kami po ni Pangulong Duterte, ginagawa po namin ang lahat sa abot ng aming makakaya upang malampasan po natin itong krisis na ating kinakaharap sa ngayon,” Go ended. (OSBG)