PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reminded the public to abide by the mandated protocols against COVID-19 as his team continued its relief efforts in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, in response to the adverse impact of the pandemic on various vulnerable sectors.

Go underscored the importance of cooperation in restoring normalcy and resuscitating the economy in a video message for a series of activities conducted in the towns of Dapa, Del Carmen, General Luna, San Benito and Santa Monica on November 18 and 19.

“Lagi nating alalahanin na hindi kaya ng gobyernong mag-isa ang laban kontra pandemya. Hindi rin kakayanin ng mga frontliners kung patuloy na dadami ang kailangang dalhin sa mga ospital. Preventing the spread of COVID-19 starts with us by being responsible citizens and following health and safety protocols," opened Go.

“Let us remain vigilant at sumunod sa mga patakaran. Ugaliing magsuot ng mask, mag-social distancing, maghugas ng kamay at kung hindi kailangang lumabas ay manatili na lang sa bahay upang maiwasan ang hawaan ng sakit na ito. Ituloy natin ang pakikipag-bayanihan sa kapwa,” he continued.

The senator's team distributed snacks and masks to 4,197 senior citizens, persons with disabilities, farmers and fisherfolk at the Dapa municipal gym, Del Carmen Convention Center, Barangay Consuelo gym in General Luna, San Benito Elementary School and Arlan Gymnasium in Santa Monica.

They also gave away bicycles and computer tablets to select residents to help address some of the challenges caused by the pandemic.

In addition, personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development handed out financial assistance as part of its intervention measures for communities in crisis. The Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority also conducted assessments for their respective assistance programs.

“Dahil sa pandemya ay sobra talaga ang paghihirap ng mga tao dito sa lugar namin. Ang mensahe ko kay Senator Bong Go ay sana matulungan niya kami dito sa aming lugar dahil sobrang hirap ng buhay dito at sana makapunta siya dito para makita niya ang aming sitwasyon,” appealed Jesson Curada, 28.

Go also advised those needing medical care to visit the Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City or Siargao Island Medical Center in Dapa where they may conveniently avail of the services of the Malasakit Centers therein.

The Malasakit Center program was institutionalized to improve the delivery of medical assistance for particularly poor and indigent patients by bringing together the relevant government agencies under one roof. The agencies include the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

The Malasakit Center's primary aim is to reduce a hospital bill to the lowest possible amount by covering various patient services and expenses, such as surgeries, laboratory tests and medicines.

"Kung mangangailangan ng operasyon, dialysis o ano pa man na 'di kaya diyan, magsabi lang kayo kay mayor at ako na ang magpapaopera sa inyo dito sa Maynila. Sagot ko na din pati pamasahe niyo. Handa kaming tumulong sa inyo kaya ‘wag kayong mahiyang lumapit sa amin," Go further offered.

The senator ended his remarks by thanking Dapa Mayor Elizabeth Matugas and Vice Mayor Marlon Coro, Santa Monica Mayor Fernando Dolar and Vice Mayor Arwela Dolar, Del Carmen Mayor Proserfina Coro and Vice Mayor Alfredo Coro II, and General Luna Mayor Cecilia Rusillon and Vice Mayor Veronico Solloso for their hard work during the pandemic.

He vowed to continue supporting initiatives that would provide a better quality of life for the people in Surigao del Norte in his capacity as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance.

Go had supported, among others, the construction of flood control embankment in Dapa; widening of the San Isidro Bridge in San Isidro; construction of a flood mitigation structure along the Surigao River in Surigao City; construction of a farm-to-market road in Claver; improvement of Baoy River flood control in Gigaquit; and rehabilitation of a multi-purpose building in Pilar.

On November 17, his team also delivered assistance for 1,269 fisherfolk in Burgos, San Isidro and Santa Monica. All activities were conducted in batches, in strict compliance with protocols against COVID-19. (OSBG)