PASAY CITY -- As the national health crisis continues to hamper the economy, especially small businesses, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go remains committed in bringing the necessary support to pandemic-hit sectors and hastening the country’s recovery.

Following his team’s relief efforts in the towns of San Andres, Odiongan and Ferrol, Go’s staff conducted additional distribution activities for more micro-entrepreneurs in Sta. Fe, Sta. Maria, San Agustin and Looc, Romblon on Thursday, November 25.

In a video message, Go commended the 290 small business owners in attendance as they continue to help their respective communities build back better despite the business losses they incurred due to the pandemic. The senator then reaffirmed his commitment to work hand-in-hand with the national government to support the business sector.

He also encouraged the public to participate in the national inoculation drive to ensure that they are protected from the virus and to help the country return to normalcy.

“Mayroon lang kaming pakiusap sa inyo ni Presidente (Rodrigo) Duterte, umpisa na ang pagbabakuna ngayon. Kung nasa priority list na kayo, pakiusap namin sa inyo, magtiwala tayo sa bakuna dahil ang bakuna ang tanging susi o solusyon para unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa normal natin na pamumuhay,” expressed Go.

Go also emphasized that the health and well-being of Filipinos remain on top of his priorities as the Chair of Senate Committee on Health and Demography. He offered further assistance to the micro-entrepreneurs with medical concerns and advised them to visit the Malasakit Center at the Romblon Provincial Hospital in Odiongan.

A one-stop shop for particularly poor and indigent Filipinos, the Malasakit Center provides convenient access to medical programs offered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

“’Wag kayong mag-alala mga kababayan ko. Andito lang kami ni Presidente Duterte, handa kaming tumulong sa inyong lahat sa abot ng aming makakaya. Magsusumikap kami para sa inyong lahat,” said Go.

Go’s outreach team conducted the relief operations at Sta. Fe Covered Court, Sta. Maria Sports Gymnasium, San Agustin Commercial Complex and Looc Public Stage where they grouped the beneficiaries into smaller batches and enforced the safety and health protocols against COVID-19.

They then provided the micro-entrepreneurs with masks and meals, as well as new pairs of shoes and computer tablets to select individuals.

Representatives from DSWD granted each micro-entrepreneur livelihood assistance grants through its Sustainable Livelihood Program. The Department of Trade and Industry, meanwhile, conducted on-site evaluations for potential beneficiaries of its Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa program.

Furthermore, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority identified beneficiaries for their scholarship and training programs as part of the Duterte Administration’s efforts to enhance the skills of micro, small and medium entrepreneurs.

“Salamat po sa mga ahensya sa mga programa nilang pangkabuhayan. Sa pamamagitan ng iba’t ibang programang ito, mabibigyan ang mga nangangailangan ng puhunan, tuturuang magnegosyo, at tutulungang palaguin ito,” Go said.

As part of his efforts to help elevate the small businesses nationwide, Go supported the passage of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises or CREATE bill to help small businesses cope with the adverse impact of the crisis.

Go cited in his speech during the Philippine Business Conference and Expo Presidentiables Forum last November 18 that the tax reform measure also aims to achieve faster and equitable regional development and provide economic opportunities in the provinces by encouraging businesses to invest in the countryside.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also supported the construction of multipurpose buildings in Ferrol, Romblon, and Sta. Maria; improvement of the municipal park in Banton; road improvements in Looc, Romblon and Sta. Fe; and the acquisition of ambulance units in Sta. Maria.

“Mga kababayan ko, magtulungan lang po tayo, magmalasakit po tayo at magbayanihan po tayo. Mga kababayan ko ingat po at magdasal tayo parati,” Go said. (OSBG)