PASAY CITY -- As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to threaten jobs and businesses across the country, the Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go conducted a joint relief effort with key government partners to aid vulnerable residents from various barangays in Caloocan City on Tuesday, December 7.
“Alam ko mahirap ang sitwasyon ngayon, nasa krisis tayo dulot ng COVID-19. Marami ang nawalan ng trabaho at nagsara na negosyo. Marami din na (overseas Filipino workers) ang napilitan na umuwi. Ang bawat isa na ito, tandaan natin ay mayroong pamilyang binubuhay,” Go said in a video message.
“Kailangan muna natin magtulungan sa isa't isa, magbayanihan at magmalasakit sa ating kapwa. Please continue to cooperate with the government para unti-unti ng mabawasan ang pagkalat ng sakit at makabalik na tayo sa ating nomal na pamumuhay,” he reminded.
The senator’s staff handed out meals and masks to a total of 459 residents in batches at the Grace Park Elementary School while observing the required health and safety protocols. They also gave select recipients bicycles for their daily commute or new pairs of shoes and provided others with computer tablets to help their children access learning materials while studying at home.
In a separate distribution, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development distributed financial assistance under its program for individuals in crisis situations. The Department of Labor and Employment also provided livelihood assistance so residents can establish and maintain thriving livelihoods.
As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go offered further assistance to those ill or in need of medical assistance. He strongly advised them to visit the Malasakit Center at the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital or any of the other 30 centers established in Metro Manila.
The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop which brings together the relevant agencies which offer medical assistance, namely the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Its primary aim is to reduce a patients’ hospital bill to the lowest possible amount by covering various patient services and expenses.
“Marami pang Pilipino ang hindi nakakaalam sa Malasakit Center kaya sabihan niyo ang mga kapitbahay niyo na mayroon na kayo dito sa Caloocan (City). Wala itong pinipili. Karapatan niyo bilang Pilipino ang maka-avail ng serbisyo nito,” explained Go, who authored the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.
“Halimbawa, may dagdag na gastos na hindi covered ng PhilHealth, diyan papasok ang mga ibang ahensya. Kung kulang pa ang tulong, ang bawat center ay may pangdagdag na pondo mula sa Office of the President. Target ng Malasakit Center na maging ‘zero balance’ ang inyong hospital bill para wala na kayong babayaran,” he added.
The senator proceeded to thank the local officials for extending the necessary support to the vulnerable residents. He pledged that his office will continue to carry out its aid distribution efforts throughout the city, the most recent of which was held for 612 displaced workers at the same venue last November 25.
To help improve the local infrastructure and delivery of basic services, Go had also supported the construction of a multi-purpose building in Barangays 171 and 175 in his capacity as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance. (OSBG)
