PASAY CITY -- In his video message for the residents of Barangays Bayabas, Tagurano, Kilate, Eden, Catigan, Marapangi, Sirawan and Binugao in Davao City on December 1 and 2, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go urged all members of the community to take health precautionary measures more seriously following the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant.

Go then reminded his fellow Davaoeños to take advantage of the free inoculation program by the government to ensure that they are protected from the virus. He also appealed to everyone to remain disciplined and cooperative as he reassured that the government is exerting great efforts to end the ongoing health crisis.

“Patuloy tayong sumunod sa mga patakaran at magsuot ng mask, mag-social distancing, at maghugas ng kamay. Kung hindi kailangan o may nararamdaman kayong sintomas, ‘wag kayong umalis ng inyong pamamahay,” appealed Go.

“Huwag tayo maging kumpiyansa hangga’t hindi pa natin nakakamtan ang herd immunity. Ayaw natin magaya sa mga ibang bansa na nagsasara dahil dumadami ulit ang bilang ng mga kaso nila,” he added.

The senator’s staff handed out meals and masks to a total of 4,000 residents at their respective barangay covered courts. They also gave select recipients computer tablets, bicycles, and pairs of shoes.

In an effort to lessen the burden of the residents from the challenges caused by the pandemic, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development also gave away financial assistance under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, in turn, provided livelihood support and scholarship grants, respectively, to qualified recipients.

Being the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go reminded the public to look after their health and well-being. The senator offered further assistance to any beneficiary in need of medical care and advised them to seek the services of the Malasakit Center located at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in the city.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop which streamlines the provision of medical assistance by bringing together the relevant government agencies under one roof, namely the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Ending his remarks, the senator went on to commend all local officials for their untiring service and efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 within their community.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, he also supported the funding of various infrastructure projects, such as the construction of multi-purpose buildings in Brgys. Ilang, Mintal, Panacan, San Antonio, Tigatto, Waan, Pampanga, and Gov. Vicente Duterte; and the construction of drainage systems in Brgys. Mintal, Mudiang, Wilfredo Aquino, Ubalde, Buhangin Proper, Centro, Gov. Paciano Bangoy, Bunawan Proper, and Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr.

Go also supported the construction of multi-purpose buildings within the compound of SPMC Institute of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine and in the City Library Complex; acquisition of ambulance units and the construction of 300-bed capacity infectious disease building in SPMC; acquisition of a multi-purpose vehicle and a mini dump truck in Brgys. Callawa, Panacan, Lapu-Lapu, and Cabantian; and construction of drainage systems in Brgys. Centro Agdao, Gov. Paciano Bangoy, Bunawan Proper, Tomas Monteverde Sr. Agdao, and Mintal.

“Sa ngayon po binabalanse ng gobyerno ang pagbubukas ng ekonomiya. Pero syempre po uunahin ang kalusugan at buhay ng bawat Pilipino. Kaya magtulungan lang po tayo, magmalasakit po tayo. Malalampasan po natin ito bilang nagkakaisang mamamayang Pilipino,” Go ended. (OSBG)