PASAY CITY -- As part of his commitment to help the agriculture sector, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go sent his team to mount a relief operation for smallholder farmers in Mutia, Zamboanga del Norte on Monday, December 6.

In a video message, Go issued an appeal to the government to strengthen rural communities by ensuring farmers and other agricultural workers have the support they need to increase their productivity and income and provide for their families amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Lalo na sa panahon ngayon na apektado ng krisis ang ating ekonomiya, 'back to basics' tayo. Nakita natin ngayon kung gaano kahalaga ang agrikultura sa ating bansa at sa ating kabuhayan," said Go.

"Mabilis pong maibabalik ang sigla ng ating ekonomiya kung palalakasin natin ang sektor ng agrikultura sa ating mga probinsya kung kaya't dapat mas palakasin ang mga programang pwedeng magturo at sumuporta sa mga magsasaka, mangingisda at iba pang kabuhayang pang-agrikultura," he continued.

Go's staff distributed snacks and masks to a total of 2,612 farmers at the municipal gymnasium. They also gave select residents bicycles and new pairs of shoes for work-related activities, as well as computer tablets for children’s use under the blended learning set-up. The team observed health and safety protocols in all activities.

In addition, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development distributed financial assistance as part of the government’s efforts to mitigate the adverse impacts of the pandemic on vulnerable sectors. The Department of Agriculture also gave away seedlings while the Department of Health handed out additional masks.

Meanwhile, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority provided separate snacks and along with the Department of Trade and Industry conducted assessments for potential beneficiaries of their respective assistance programs.

Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, continued his message by encouraging those who are struggling with their medical expenses to visit the Malasakit Center at the Zamboanga del Norte Medical Center in Dipolog City or Dr. Jose Rizal Memorial Hospital in Dapitan City where they may conveniently avail of medical assistance from the government.

“Wala nang dahilan para hindi kayo matulungan, lalung-lalo na kung poor o indigent ka. Hindi pumipili ang Malasakit Center. Basta Pilipino ka, qualified ka. Hindi namin pababayaan ni Pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte ang mga mahihirap nating kababayan, ‘yung mga helpless, hopeless at walang matakbuhan sa panahong ito,” reassured Go.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where Filipino patients can apply for medical assistance from the relevant government agencies, specifically the DSWD, DOH, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

In keeping with his aim of ensuring that Filipinos nationwide have easy access to quality medical care, Go had principally authored and sponsored in the Senate the measure that became Republic Act No. 11463, otherwise known as the “Malasakit Centers Act of 2019”.

To end, the lawmaker recognized and thanked 1st District Romeo Jalosjos Jr., Governor Roberto Uy, Vice Governor Senen Angeles, Mayor Lorrymir Adasa and Vice Mayor Arthur Tenorio for their continued support to the farmers.

He likewise acknowledged Councilors Christian Kwan, Eldie Baguinat, Arnold Acbayan, Cristiflor Dulang, Marilou Aguaviva, Cynthia Banguis, Ernesto Veradio and Antonio Rosal; Association of Barangay Captains President Pepe Bergado; Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President Carlo Gydmalis and former mayor Evelyn Uy.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has supported many infrastructure projects in Mutia, including the construction of a multipurpose building; installation of solar powered street lights and CCTV cameras; and purchase of an ambulance and mini dump trucks. He likewise supported the construction of a multipurpose building; improvement of Sunset Boulevard; and concretion of barangay roads in Dapitan City.

Go’s team conducted a similar relief mission for 1,500 displaced workers in Dapitan City last September 17. All distributions were carried out in small batches to ensure strict compliance with the health and safety protocols. (OSBG)