PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continued to appeal to the public to follow the government’s health protocols to curb the spread of COVID-19 in a series of relief efforts for Barangay Health Workers and Barangay Nutrition Scholars in Imus City, Cavite on Wednesday, December 1.

In a video message, Go called for more cooperation as he noted that a minor lapse in compliance could lead to increased COVID-19 infections that may prolong the crisis further.

“Sa mga Pilipino, nakikiusap kami, habaan niyo ang inyong pasensya at sumunod tayo sa mga quarantine protocols. Sana po’y walang magpa-espesyal. Isipin niyo na sa bawat isang positibo, pag kumalat ‘yan, marami ang madadamay. ‘Yun ang ayaw nating mangyari na kumalat itong sakit na ito at bumagsak na naman ang ating healthcare system,” he reminded.

“Inuulit ko, disiplina mula sa lahat ang kailangan. Sumunod tayo sa mga paalala ng gobyerno, magsuot ng mask at face shield, mag-social distancing at maghugas ng kamay. Kung hindi kailangan ay ‘wag umalis ng pamamahay,” added Go.

His team gave out meals, vitamins and masks to a total of 493 barangay workers at Buhay na Tubig covered court. The distribution was conducted in batches, in compliance with health and safety protocols against COVID-19.

Go's staff also provided select recipients bicycles and new pairs of shoes to help them in their daily commutes. Others were given computer tablets for their children’s studies under the blended learning set-up.

In addition, the Department of Social Welfare and Development is set to provide separate financial assistance under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.

Go earlier issued an appeal for the government to provide cash incentives for the fully vaccinated members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to increase the vaccine coverage among the lowest income groups.

“Ito ang pinaka-vulnerable sa populasyon natin… ang mga 4Ps households ang kinokonsiderang poorest of the poor. Sa paraang ito (cash incentives), maeengganyo natin silang magpabakuna, mabibigyan pa natin sila ng dagdag na tulong," he explained.

The lawmaker also noted that the pandemic has disrupted access of many Caviteños to vital health services. He advised those who cannot settle their hospital bills to seek aid from the government through the Malasakit Centers at the Southern Tagalog Regional Hospital in Bacoor City and General Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Hospital in Trece Martires City.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop that aims to provide patients convenient access to the medical assistance programs of the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

“Batas ito na aking isinulong at pinirmahan ni Pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte. Mayroon na ngayong 149 Malasakit Centers sa buong Pilipinas. Ang target nito ay zero balance para wala nang babayaran sa ospital ang mga poor and indigent patients,” explained Go, who principally authored and sponsored the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.

“Sabihan niyo ang mga kapitbahay niyo na mayroon kayong Malasakit Center na tutulong para wala na kayong babayaran sa inyong pagpapaospital. Walang pinipili ito; walang pulitika ito. Para ito sa lahat lalo na ang poor and indigent patients,” reassured Go.

The senator went on to express gratitude to the local officials for their public service. He likewise urged them to keep protecting the well-being of their constituents.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also supported various initiatives to accelerate the infrastructure development and improve the delivery of key services in Cavite.

In General Trias City, he supported various road concreting projects as well as the construction and rehabilitation of various multipurpose buildings, covered courts, barangay halls and drainage systems. In Imus City, he also helped fund various road rehabilitation and construction projects and the construction of multipurpose buildings.

He was also instrumental in the construction of the National Road System (Primary Roads - Manila - Cavite) in Cavite City and the provision of medical assistance to indigenous people in Kawit.

Other initiatives he supported include the improvement of roads in the cities of Dasmariñas and Tagaytay; acquisition of ambulance units for the local governments of Indang and Trece Martires City; rehabilitation and improvement of the municipal fire station in Noveleta; and improvement of a sports facility in the Cavite State University in Indang.

“Huwag sana kayong mawalan ng pag-asa dahil nandirito ang iba’t ibang ahensiya ng gobyerno para tulungan kayo na makabangon. Lapitan niyo lang ang aking opisina kung may iba pa kaming maitutulong at gagawin namin ni Pangulong Duterte ang lahat sa abot ng aming makakaya,” pledged the senator.

In 2019, Go was declared an adopted son of the CALABARZON region in a manifesto issued by the governors of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon. (OSBG)