PASAY CITY -- A day after assisting residents in Cavite City and Kawit, the Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go oversaw another relief operation in Cavite on Tuesday, November 16, this time for the benefit of residents in Noveleta and Rosario.
Go's outreach team distributed meals and masks to a total of 1,633 residents at the Noveleta Elementary School and Rosario National High School. They gave selected residents new pairs of shoes and bicycles for commuting and computer tablets for children's use while studying at home.
Meanwhile, personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development also provided financial assistance as part of an ongoing effort to assist individuals in crisis situations.
In a video message at the activities, the senator strongly reminded low-income households to get vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, noting that only 16% of the 4.17 million Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program’s active beneficiaries have had their shots as of 29 October 2021.
He urged the government to approve the proposal to grant incentives to fully-vaccinated 4Ps beneficiaries in order to encourage the vaccine uptake and improve the immunity level of the poorest of the poor.
"Sa ating hangaring malampasan ang pandemya, sinisiguro ng gobyernong may tunay na malasakit na walang Pilipinong maiiwan sa ating muling pagbangon. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit napaka-importanteng magpabakuna upang maproteksyunan ang buong populasyon," said Go.
“Tandaan natin na kung mas maraming nababakunahan at patuloy na bababa ang kaso ng nagkakasakit, mas luluwag ang mga patakaran at mas magbubukas ang ekonomiya. Sana tuluy-tuloy na mawawala ang COVID-19, kasama ang hirap at gutom na dulot nito,” he continued.
Go also offered medical assistance to the sick, elderly and vulnerable. He advised them to visit the Malasakit Centers at the General Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Hospital in Trece Martires City and Southern Tagalog Regional Hospital in Bacoor City where they may conveniently avail of more aid from the government.
The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop which brings together under one roof the offices of the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. It aims to reduce a hospital bill to the lowest possible amount by covering various patient services and expenses, such as medicines and surgeries.
“Hirap kami nung nagka-pandemic kasi walang biyahe at kung hindi ka lalabas, hindi ka kakain. Humihingi nalang ako ng tulong sa aking mga magulang kung ganon,” recalled Randy Fajardo, a tricycle driver and part-time market vendor. “Nung nakapasada na, medyo nag-okay. May paglipas lang na pangkain pero ‘di pa din sapat ang kita.”
“Super hirap na hirap kami nung nagka-pandemic kasi hindi kami makapagtrabaho. Nagka-COVID-19 pa ang ilan sa miyembro ng aming pamilya. Malaking bagay ang assistance na natanggap namin kasi pangbili na din ito ng bigas at ulam. Sobrang nagpapasalamat kami kay Senator Bong Go at sa gobyerno para sa ibinigay nilang tulong sa mga hirap ngayong pandemic,” added Ira Raquenio.
The senator concluded his message thanking 1st District Representative Francis Abaya, Governor Juanito Victor Remulla Jr., Vice Governor Ramon Revilla III, Noveleta Mayor Dino Chua, Rosario Mayor Jose Ricafrente III and other local officials for their continued dedication and support.
As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance and adopted son of the CALABARZON region, Go has also supported the improvement of the Noveleta Fire Station and other initiatives that aim to improve the delivery of key services and quality of life in Cavite.
These initiatives include various road improvements in the cities of Bacoor, Cavite Dasmariñas, General Trias, Imus and Tagaytay; rehabilitation of covered courts in various barangays in General Trias City; improvement of a sports facility in Cavite State University in Indang; acquisition of ambulance units for the local governments of Indang, Bacoor City and Trece Martires City; and provision of medical assistance to indigenous residents in Kawit.
The previous day, November 16, his team also provided relief to 2,000 indigent families in Cavite City and Kawit. All activities were carried out in batches to ensure strict compliance with the protocols against COVID-19. (OSBG)
